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Recidivism among Participants of a Reentry Program for Prisoners Released without Supervision

Authors :
Wikoff, Nora
Linhorst, Donald M.
Morani, Nicole
Source :
Social Work Research. Dec 2012 36(4):289-299.
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

As higher numbers of individuals are released from prison and rejoin society, reentry programs can help former offenders reintegrate into society without continuing to engage in crime. This quasi-experimental study examined whether participation in reentry programming was associated with reduced recidivism among offenders who were no longer under criminal justice supervision. Offenders who completed their sentences in prison were invited to participate in Project Re-Connect (PRC), a six-month, voluntary prisoner reentry program. Following participants' release from prison, PRC provided case management and direct monetary support to participants for up to six months. Survival analysis was used to compare recidivism rates between 122 PRC participants and 158 eligible nonparticipants. Cox regression coefficients indicated that program participation and having a high school diploma or its equivalent were associated with reduced likelihood of new convictions, whereas substance abuse was associated with higher risk of subsequent convictions. The implications for social work policy and practice are discussed.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1070-5309
Volume :
36
Issue :
4
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Social Work Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ991298
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svs021