NCJ Number
243633
Date Published
2013
Length
251 pages
Annotation
In providing an overview of existing research on offender reentry and the findings of original research, this book identifies the factors that contribute to successful reentry, reports on ex-offenders' success stories, and presents the perspectives of practitioners on the components of successful reentry programs.
Abstract
Following an introductory chapter that reviews historical and contemporary perspectives on offender reentry, a chapter identifies factors and describes features of successful transition and reintegration efforts. Chapter 3 reviews the needs and challenges that face ex-offenders during reentry, followed by two chapters that explain how success may be defined differently by ex-offenders according to race, ethnicity, gender, and social class. Chapters 6 and 7 present original data on qualitative findings from interviews with 21 ex-offenders and 19 community corrections officers (CCOs) in Washington State in 2012. Ex-offenders and CCOs identify factors that foster successful reentry and provide examples of successful reentry narratives. They also offer their opinions regarding what should be done to increase the number of reentry successes. The concluding chapter outlines current policies with the potential to improve offender reentry, with attention to reform policies. Among the recommendations offered are the development of transition programs that bridge prison and community, the centralization of services in the community, public education that reduces the stigma of incarceration, better training and resources support for CCOs, individualized and nuanced supervision and intervention strategies, and changes in policies that impede reentry success. Among the issues discussed in some detail are financial support; strengthening education, employment, and rehabilitation programs; policy revisions; a restorative justice approach; and the fostering of collaborations. Extensive references and a subject index