Former prisoners find it hard to re-integrate in their local communities and many find it hard to get a job.
The biennial report of the Irish Association for the Social Integration of Offenders (IASIO) says misconceptions are often to blame.
The report also reveals that the organisation has successfully assisted over 14,000 offenders to gain education, training, employment and resettlement support since each of the services began.
From 2000 to 2014, 21,339 former offenders have engaged with the IASIO services.
Of that, over 13,000 people have been placed in employment, education or training. In total, over 15,000 placements have been made.
They are calling for local communities to play a part in the rehabilitation of offenders.
The group CEO Paddy Richardson told Newstalk Breakfast it is a win-win situation.
