Incarceration leaves a lasting impact beyond the time spent behind bars. For millions of individuals and their families, the long-term effects of imprisonment create obstacles that persist for years, if not a lifetime. This post explores critical issues like mental health challenges after incarceration, barriers to employment for formerly incarcerated individuals, family disruption, and how systemic inequality fuels incarceration cycles. In addition, it highlights criminal justice reform solutions that address these deep-seated issues and break the cycle.