Trespassing Required

While on my way to work the other day I was met with a sign stating “Bridge Closed No Trespassing” as I neared my building. While I understood that it was due to the inclement weather and potential hazards while crossing, it was still somewhat of an inconvenience. This may have been a minor detour when it came to getting to work for the day, but I was reminded of the islands many people work on within the world of prison re-entry.

Whether presenting at conferences or attending them, I tend to encounter discussions of how to bridge our work to provide better services for those we serve. At times, the sign "Bridge Closed No Trespassing" can appear to be displayed on our chests when it comes to providing a continuum of care. It can be exhibited as we surround ourselves with fellow colleagues religiously. While this may work during discussions with our familiar professional jargon, it can also present damage in other situations. The situation that I would like to mention would be lives in our care. This is critical because it can mean the difference of lives falling through the cracks or not. These self same cracks exhibit themselves as continued drug abuse, another period of incarceration, crime increases, and at times a breaking news story resulting in an untimely death. All of which no one wants to happen.

Might I suggest that we begin to open bridges of relationships and communication within our organizations and across differing entities for the betterment of all. I personally witnessed a more fulfilling level of care in the lives of those we serve and a less stressful work environment when these building bridges were built with others. Let's work to take down our “Bridge Closed No Trespassing” signs and connect with others not because it is mandatory, but because it helps everyone every day.