This report covers a study that evaluated two of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania’s programs to improve the successful reintegration of jail inmates following their return to the community.
This report provides an evaluation of two of Allegheny County programs to improve the successful reintegration of jail inmates following their return to the community through the use of a fidelity assessment and an impact evaluation. Both programs were designed to reduce recidivism using risk/needs assessment, coordinated reentry planning, and evidence-based programs and practices. The researchers conducted process and outcome evaluations of these programs to answer critical questions about program performance and effectiveness. The process evaluation examined alignment with core correctional practices, while the outcome evaluation examined rearrests for reentry program participants and two comparison groups of offenders, with a total of 798 participants. Results indicated that both reentry programs reduced rearrest and prolonged time to rearrest. Both program models emphasized prerelease contact between inmates and key supports, and the fidelity assessment found high compliance with those aspects of the model in both programs. The report also provides several recommendations in support of ongoing program improvement and strengthening.