TAMPA, Fla. — Attorneys are getting a fresh perspective on some of the challenges convicts can face when they re-enter society.

A simulation workshop recently held by the Department of Justice and Abe Brown Ministries gave assistant state attorneys with Suzy Lopez’s office at the 13th Judicial Circuit a glimpse at what it can be like for former prisoners to navigate. Topics included housing, transportation, employment and mental health support services.

“Eventually, they’re going to be our neighbors, living in our communities, so I want our lawyers to understand what it is they go through, the challenges they have when they get out of prison,” said Lopez.

Assistant State Attorney Katherine Fand participated in the workshop. She was given a temporary identity of a drug dealer named “Angela” who served a 15-year prison sentence. “Angela” was given a life card with a list of things to do upon release.

Stations were set up to represent different scenarios ranging from transportation, rent, Department of Motor Vehicles and social services, to presenting opportunities to re-offend and return to jail.

At one of the stations, “Angela” told the “probation officer” that challenges along the way prevented her from getting much accomplished.

“I’m a week late because you wouldn’t let me check-in without an ID,” she told the “probation officer,” blaming long lines.

Abe Brown Ministries offers programs to help break the cycles of incarceration.

CEO Robert Blount says it is important to give resources to help promote re-introduction into society. He says giving attorneys a glimpse into that process provides fresh perspective.

“It’s really starting to help them process what this experience is like and how we might be able to influence and perhaps even drive policy that will eliminate some of these barriers and some of these challenges,” said Blount, who added that more needs to be done to break that cycle.

“Essentially, two out of three individuals will return back to prison after incarceration, it’s a vicious cycle,” said Blount. “We want to help them navigate through society so they can become self-sufficient.”

Support to be successful says Blount, while offering fresh perspective.

“This does show even if you want to try, it’s hard,” said Fand.