NCJ Number
243424
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: February-March 2013 Pages: 98-118
Date Published
March 2013
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This study examined the Money Smart training for exonerees.
Abstract
A modified version of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Money Smart financial training program was provided for 14 exonerees in an urban Texas setting, in preparation for receiving their compensation awards relating to their wrongful convictions. Researchers sought to investigate the usefulness of the modified program in assisting in the financial literacy of exonerees transitioning to society postrelease. This case study provides an overview of the observations of the process, and implications for future trainings and practice with this population. Overall, the exonerees in this case study benefited from the program. However, exonerees expressed unique concerns about family issues, budgeting, spending habits, credit, taxes, retirement, exploitation, and the media. The observations made throughout this process are relevant to the criminal justice field since Texas has adopted a policy whereby the Department of Criminal Justice provides initial postrelease case management and oversight of initial compensation funds. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.