The 18-month impact report for these programs showed that those randomly assigned to the program groups were significantly more likely to receive a wide range of re-entry services. They were also more likely to report that they received help with re-entry and to have individual case plans. They were more likely to receive cognitive behavioral therapy, help with job searches, substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, and mentoring; however, just over half of both the program and control groups reported they wanted additional housing assistance, job placement assistance, job training, health services, and educational services. The current 30-month evaluation found that the program group generally was no less likely than those in the control group to be rearrested, re-convicted, or re-incarcerated; their time to re-arrest or re-incarceration was not shorter; and they did not have fewer total days incarcerated. In fact, program group members were somewhat more likely to have more arrests and convictions. Perhaps because of the greater likelihood of detection of crimes and violations under intensive supervision. The program group did have higher employment rates and earnings than the control group after 30 months. Recommendations for improvement are offered, some of which are already being implemented or are in the planning stage. In estimating impacts, the evaluation used a randomized controlled trial that involved 966 persons eligible for SCA, who were randomly assigned to either a program group or a control group. Extensive tables and figures and 78 references
Evaluation of Seven Second Chance Act Adult Demonstration Programs: Impact Findings at 30 Months
NCJ Number
251702
Date Published
March 2018
Length
108 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings and methodology for evaluations of the impacts after 30 months of the offender reentry programs developed with funding under the federal Second Chance Act (SCA) Adult Demonstration Program.
Abstract