Process Evaluation of the Pennsylvania Community Orientation and Reintegration (COR) Program

• NCJ Number: 222808
• Author(s): Nancy G. La Vigne Ph.D.; Sarah Lawrence; Vera Kachnowski; Rebecca Naser; Megan Schaffer
• Date Published: September 2002
• Length: 107 pages
• Corporate Author: The Urban Institute
• Sale Source: The Urban Institute
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded May 22, 2008

Annotation

This three-part report describes the features and evaluates the delivery of Pennsylvania's Community Orientation and Reintegration (COR) program, which is designed to reinforce skills and knowledge learned in prison so as to facilitate a successful reentry into a community after release.

Abstract

The process evaluation found that the COR program demonstrated creativity and careful analysis of key factors in the transition from prison to the community in its design and implementation. One of COR's key strengths is the employability segments in both phases, particularly the week-long employability segment in Phase I, which received excellent reviews from both inmates and staff. Other strengths include the consistency of program delivery for Phase I, community contacts made through COR, the family reunification modules in both phases, and the Anger Management and Life Skills modules. One recommendation for improvement is reconsideration of the community service requirement, which may take away valuable time from job search efforts. The evaluation also suggests that Phase II inmates be allowed more flexibility to leave the facility to conduct job searches and make other important community contacts. Other recommendations pertain to referral or placement assistance for educational and vocational training after release, the addition of a health segment, more family-oriented features in Phase II, and more staff training in the coordination and standardization of program delivery. The process evaluation consisted of a literature review of research on reentry programs and related efforts; a review of the COR curriculum and other documents that pertain to the program; the development of a logic model of COR; a series of focus groups conducted with staff and inmates involved in COR; and a survey administered to Phase I and Phase II participants. 29 figures, 19 references, and appended correctional facilities represented in focus groups, questions posed to focus group participants, focus group participant characteristics, and programs in prison before COR