Do Reentry Courts Reduce Recidivism?: Results From the Harlem Parole Reentry Court

• NCJ Number: 237674
• Author(s): Zachary Hamilton
• Date Published: March 2010
• Length: 45 pages
• Corporate Author: Center for Justice Innovation
• Sale Source: Center for Justice Innovation
• Publication Format: Document; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This evaluation assessed the impact of the Harlem Parole Reentry Court following program modifications that were implemented after an initial formative evaluation.

Abstract

The evaluation found that reentry court parolees (including both graduates and failures) were less likely to be rearrested than parolees who did not participate in a reentry court; however only some effects approached statistical significance (misdemeanor rearrests over the first year and drug-related rearrests over the first 2 years). In addition, reentry court parolees were less likely to be reconvicted, and the effects were significant at 1, 2, and 3 years (56 percent compared to 36 percent at 3 years). Additional analyses indicated that reentry court parolees who completed the program experienced lower odds of rearrest and revocation. Pre-intervention characteristics associated with a greater likelihood of program completion included prior parole term, marriage/cohabitation, high school diploma or GED, and prior drug treatment. Although reentry court parolees were more likely to be revoked and returned to prison than parolees who did not participate in the reentry court, this may be due to the more intensive supervision and monitoring of reentry court parolees. This suggests that reentry courts may need to explore the use of alternative sanctions in lieu of revocation. The Harlem Parole Reentry Court was established in June of 2001 in response to the high concentration of parolees returning to the East Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan. The reentry court provides intensive judicial oversight, supervision, and services to new parolees during the first 6 months after release from State prison. The program's goal is to stabilize returning parolees in the initial phase of their reintegration by helping them to find jobs, secure housing, remain drug-free, and assume familial and personal responsibilities. Following graduation, participants are transferred to traditional parole supervision. 7 tables, 3 figures, and 70 references