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From Diversion to Reentry: Recidivism Risks Among Graduates of an Alternative to Incarceration Program

NCJ Number
234808
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2011 Pages: 219-234
Author(s)
Hung-En Sung
Date Published
June 2011
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article disscusses alternative programs to incarceration programs.
Abstract
Reentry usually refers to the transition from incarceration to community living. However, offenders diverted from prison to community-based restrictive sanctions also face the challenge of social reintegration. This study uses a postmatching casecontrol design to identify risk and protective factors for 1-year recidivism among completers of the Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison (DTAP) program in Brooklyn, New York. DTAP is a deferred-sentencing program targeting repeat drug-abusing felons arrested for drug sales. Participants are required to plead to a felony charge and spend 18 to 24 months in residential treatment. Forty-seven DTAP completers who had been re-arrested within a year of their dismissal are compared to 47 matched nonrecidivists. Results suggest that weak treatment engagement and social isolation considerably increase the risk of recidivism. Certain health conditions and/or medical needs also significantly correlate to reoffending. Implications for reentry policymaking and research are discussed. (Published Abstract)