Description of the Self-Identified Needs, Service Expenditures, and Social Outcomes of Participants of a Prisoner-Reentry Program

• NCJ Number: 236064
• Journal: Prison Journal Volume: 91 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2011 Pages: 347-365
• Author(s): Nicole M. Morani; Nora Wikoff; Donald M. Linhorst; Sheila Bratton
• Date Published: September 2011
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey; Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined a 6-month, voluntary, prisoner-reentry program for inmates who served their maximum prison sentence.

Abstract

This study examines 122 ex-offenders who participated in Project Re-Connect, a 6-month, voluntary, prisoner-reentry program for inmates who served their maximum prison sentence. The needs most frequently self-identified by program participants prior to their return into the community included transportation, clothing, food, housing, and employment or vocational training. To help address these needs, program participants had access to U.S. $3,000. These funds were largely directed toward the self-identified needs, with the greatest portion of expenditures applied to housing. Social outcomes, including employment, housing, and substance abuse, are examined for program participants. The study found that many ex-offenders will seek assistance through reentry programs, even when participation is voluntary, and that they are capable of self-identifying their service needs. (Published Abstract)