NCJ Number
230202
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2009 Pages: 38-41
Date Published
December 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article on the urgency of establishing reentry programs for inmates returning to their communities after release, the effectiveness of reentry interventions, and new approaches in inmate reentry is based on the first author's testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (March 12, 2009).
Abstract
A large number of individuals, 90 percent of whom are men, are removed from their families and communities, held in the Nation's prisons and jails, and then returned home facing significant barriers to their becoming responsible members of the community. There are two overarching goals in reentry strategies: to promote public safety by reducing recidivism rates and to reintegrate inmates by promoting positive interactions with family, work, peer groups, community, and citizenship responsibilities. This article focuses on the first objective, i.e., the promotion of public safety. According to data collected by the U.S. Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics, 30 percent of rearrests during the initial 3-year period after release occur within the first 6 months. The literature on rigorous evaluation research for reentry programs suggests five guidelines for reducing recidivism. First, focus on behavioral outcomes, targeting criminogenic needs and using positive reinforcements. Second, target high-risk offenders. Third, use risk assessment instruments. Fourth, begin treatment in prison and provide continuity in the community immediately after release. Fifth, provide intensive interventions for at least 6 months. This article also describes some new approaches in inmate reentry that show promise. These are offender notification forums, comprehensive interagency initiatives, reentry courts, and community-based interventions. 1 table and 18 notes