Reentry Outcomes Research Articles

The association between age and functional disability in US adults with lifetime exposure to the criminal legal system, 2015–2019

ImportanceAs the global population ages, the proportion of individuals living with functional disability is increasing. Evidence suggests that functional disability is associated with worse health outcomes and is concentrated in populations with high rates of concurrent social risk factors such as criminal legal involvement (CLI), making it an increasingly important issue for advocates of health equity. ObjectiveTo determine whether age is associated with functional disability in a nationally representative sample of United States adults with lifetime exposure to the criminal legal system. DesignCross-sectional survey data from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 2015–2019. SettingNationally representative survey data. ParticipantsUS adults who reported lifetime history of arrest (N = 37,279). ExposureRespondents were categorized into age groups: younger adults (age 18–49); middle-aged adults (age 50–64); and older adults (age ≥ 65). Main outcome measureFunctional disability as measure by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Score 2.0 (WHO-DAS 2.0). A higher score indicates a greater degree of functional disability. ResultsThe sample included 37,279 US adults with lifetime CLI of whom 60.0 % were younger adults, 28.5 % were middle-aged adults, and 11.5 % were older adults. The mean, unadjusted functional disability score for younger adults was 5.0 (95 % CI, 4.9, 5.1); for middle-aged adults it was 4.2 (95 % CI, 4.0, 4.4); and for older adults it was 3.2 (95 % CI, 2.9, 3.5). In models adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical confounders, differences were attenuated but remained statistically significant, indicating increased functional disability in the younger age groups. Conclusion and relevanceOur findings suggest that among adults with CLI, functional disability is distributed by age in a pattern distinct from the general population. A large number of young adults have CLI, and the findings suggest that prevalence of functional disability is exceedingly high in this marginalized group. Future studies should examine if substance use and mental health conditions contribute to these findings, and policy makers should examine if flexible interventions tailored to the needs of those with disability improve reentry outcomes for young adults with CLI.

Examining the Black Box of Prison Education Programs: A Descriptive Study of Statewide Correctional Education Practices

About half of incarcerated individuals housed in state prisons reported participation in educational or vocational programming (Harlow, 2003). These programs serve as a way to fill a disparity gap since the prison population tends to have literacy, education, and employment needs. Participation in education programs can result in positive impacts on reentry outcomes (e.g., reduced recidivism, increased employment outcomes) (Bozick et al., 2018). However, the characteristics of effective education programs remains a “black box” in terms of instructional strategies and classroom practices. This study examined the characteristics of over 200 literacy, general education, vocation/apprenticeship, and college courses across 28 prisons in one state. Interviews, observations, and staff surveys were used to gather data related to leadership, classroom management, and quality assurance practices in prison-based education departments. The results revealed substantial differences across programs and facilities. Implications for future research and opportunities to reduce social disparity through prison education are discussed.

Assessment of Feasibility and Acceptability of the Pathways for Parents After Incarceration Program.

Most incarcerated fathers have connections to their families, and the quality of their family relationships is important not only to their reentry success but also to shaping positive child and family outcomes. However, there is a lack of rigorous evidence about interventions designed to strengthen parent-child and other family relationships among formerly incarcerated parents. The purpose of this study was to develop and assess for feasibility and acceptability an intervention for formerly incarcerated fathers, co-parents, and their children. We created and implemented the Pathways for Parents after Incarceration Program (P4P), a multilevel intervention that focuses on strengthening positive parenting skills, building constructive co-parenting strategies, providing social support, and connecting families to needed specialized services. We delivered P4P virtually to 3 groups of participants, collecting data at several points. Results suggest that while the program was well liked and appreciated by participants and parent coaches and had a positive effect on parenting skills and attitudes, recruitment and retention were challenging. Findings suggest that P4P has the potential to support child and family well-being when fathers reenter by bolstering protective factors, and supporting access to necessary supports associated with improved reentry outcomes. Additional research is needed to address feasibility concerns and establish program efficacy.

Community reentry: Racial/ethnic differences in unmet needs among adults with co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorder

BackgroundAdults with co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorder (COD) recently released from incarceration have many social and health needs that place them at the most significant risk for overdose and poor reentry outcomes. Little is known about racial/ethnic differences in this population. MethodsTo examine racial/ethnic differences in social and health needs, data were analyzed for 293 adults with COD within two weeks of release, a high-risk period for overdose, from six Massachusetts jails. ResultsOverall, participants (62.6% non-Hispanic White, 23.1% Hispanic, 14.3% non-Hispanic Black, and 73.5% male) reported multiple health and social needs across groups. Chi-square tests and Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVAs were used to compare social and health needs among racial/ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic Black participants reported more problems with crack/cocaine, whereas Non-Hispanic White and Hispanic participants reported more problems with opioids (p < .001). Despite similar lifetime rates of illicit substance use, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants received less treatment (p < .001). Non-Hispanic White participants reported more opioid and alcohol use (p < .006), trauma symptoms (p = .020), utilization of behavioral health treatment (p = .008), and more medical needs than Hispanic and/or non-Hispanic Black participants (p = .001). Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants reported more needs related to social determinants of health (p = .008). ConclusionsWhile re-entry is a vulnerable period for all adults with COD, this paper identifies specific needs by race/ethnicity and proposes strategies to advance equity and improve care for all formerly incarcerated adults with a COD.

Reducing Abuse and Neglect Recurrence Among Young Foster Children Reunified With Their Families.

Child maltreatment (CM) is a recurrent adverse life event known to cause enduring psychiatric impairment throughout life. For young children in protective custody for a first episode of CM, specialized court-coordinated intervention to optimize reunification has shown promise for preventing CM recidivism, with case series documenting short-term successes. We tracked 10-year (Nov 2011-March 2022) court re-entry outcomes in a cohort of 272 young children, birth to six years, reunited with their families following placement in protective custody and court referral to the SYNCHRONY Project, a voluntary clinical service providing Incredible YearsTM parenting education, parental psychiatric care, and serial dyadic clinical evaluation to inform medical recommendations on safety for visitation and reunification. Re-entry was operationalized as rereferral to any Missouri Court and proportions compared with contemporaneous State and national data. SYNCHRONY-enrolled/reunified children experienced frequencies of guardianship (22%) and reunification (46%), in keeping with Missouri averages. In these categories, 3.4% and 7.1% respectively were re-referred to the Court over the 10-year follow-up. In care as usual nationally for this age group, the re-referral proportions are 18% (OR 7.5, P < .0001) and 35% (OR 6.1, P < .0001) respectively. In care as usual in Missouri across all ages, the re-referral proportion is 16% (odds ratio [OR] 3.09, P < .0001). Judicious implementation of evidence-based parenting education, 2-generation psychiatric care, and clinical consultation were associated with marked reduction in court re-entry versus care-as-usual and warrant consideration in intervention standards for young children in foster care.

Social Support During Reentry: Family, Mentor, Religious, Parole Officer, and Social Service Roles

Existing research on social support and reentry primarily focuses on a single dimension of support, such as family or community support. Informed by the social support perspective, this study assessed how combined support from family, mentors, religious groups, parole officers, and social service agencies influences reentry outcomes. Given that the social support one receives during reentry is time-variant rather than static, longitudinal multilevel modeling was employed to examine how temporal changes in social support were associated with temporal changes in recidivism and drug misuse among people on parole. Results indicated that simultaneous support from family, parole officers, and social service agencies exerted protective effects on reentry outcomes. However, community-based mentoring programs had no significant effect on recidivism, and religious and social service support increased substance misuse. Policy implications derived from this research are discussed to address the intersection of various sources of social support.

Reclaiming Parenthood After Incarceration: The Nexus of Determination to Desist, Fulfillment of Parental Responsibilities, and Recidivism

Prior research indicates that reclaiming family roles, such as parent or spouse, can facilitate re-entry and reintegration for justice-involved individuals. However, few studies have examined whether a determination to desist and shield children from the negative impact of crime is associated with reentry outcomes. This study examined the nexus of determination to desist, parental nurturing practices, and recidivism. Multilevel longitudinal modeling was employed to analyze respondents’ varying levels of commitment to nurturing children and recidivism risk. Results showed that returning mothers were more committed to parenting activities than returning fathers. Moreover, with the effects of prior records, reentry programs, and familial criminogenic environment controlled, we found that returning parents who were more committed to parenting had significantly lower odds of recidivism. Implications for research and policy were discussed.

Trauma, Psychopathic Traits, and Resilience in Female Post-Prison Reentry Outcomes

A growing body of research has examined female psychopathy, yet gaps remain. Recent research has explored links between early trauma, psychopathic traits, and behavioral outcomes. Utilizing data collected as part of the evaluation of the Seattle Women’s Reentry (SWR) Initiative, this study investigates the relationship between early trauma and psychopathic traits in female post-prison reentry outcomes. The role of psychopathic traits as a protective resilience factor that moderates early trauma for women leaving prison and reentering the community is explored. Background information, survey data, and Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) scores are analyzed in relation to recidivism three-years post release for 85 women released from the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) in Washington State. Results indicated that the majority of the women in the study have early trauma backgrounds, PCL-R scores predict recidivism while trauma did not, and PCL-R scores did not moderate the relationship between trauma and recidivism. Results also found that PCL-R scores were associated with higher levels of self-esteem. Findings are consistent with prior research showing a link between psychopathic traits and recidivism but do not offer support for psychopathic traits as a moderating resilience protective factor between trauma and recidivism.

Accessing Behavioral Health Services and the Justice-Involved: The Significance of Ecological Considerations

Knowledge and understanding of reentry challenges, reentry programming, and reentry evaluations is primarily limited to formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs) who return to urban areas despite the structural and contextual differences between urban and non-urban locales. These differences may be especially salient when it comes to access to services for behavioral health needs that, if left untreated, increase the likelihood of recidivism. Reentry planning prior to release has been found to be beneficial, as well as providing direct linkages to services post-release. However, barriers or competing priorities may keep FIPs from accessing needed behavioral health services after release. To increase the probability for more successful post-release transitions, studies need to determine and understand soon-to-be-released inmates’ likelihood of utilizing these services. Thus, the purpose of this research was to examine the importance of demographic characteristics, ecological factors, and utilization of treatment services for drugs, alcohol, mental health, and anger management prior to release to FIPs’ intent to receive these services after their release. Data was collected from 173 individuals incarcerated in either a prison or a community-based correctional facility (CBCF) and analyzed via logistic regressions. Results suggest that being female and utilization of services while incarcerated predicted intent to use drug and mental health services after release; not surprisingly, crime type and type of facility was predictive of intent to utilize anger management services post release; type of facility, and interaction of housing and concentrated disadvantage was predictive of intent to take advantage of alcohol treatment services. These findings have micro, mezzo, and macro implications and are especially relevant given the limitations of resource availability and accessibility in urban and non-urban areas. Streamlining these services to FIPs’ needs and building community capacity to meet specific needs identified by FIPs is more likely to engage them and increase their likelihood to improve reentry outcomes.

Does paid transitional housing impact reentry outcomes during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders? Evidence from a natural experiment within an RCT

In response to COVID-19, states implemented stay-at-home orders, affecting two key correlates of recidivism: housing and employment. In this study, we examine how a programme that sought to facilitate successful reintegration through paid transitional housing was impacted by stay-at-home orders. Specifically, we evaluate the impact of an RCT where formerly incarcerated individuals were provided with paid transitional housing before and during a stay-at-home order. Results indicate no difference in the likelihood of the treatment group and control group to be employed or return to prison prior to the stay-at-home order. After the implementation of the stay-at-home order, however, individuals in the treatment group were more likely to be employed and less likely to return to prison. Our findings suggest that the relationship between housing, employment, and re-incarceration was further exacerbated during the pandemic. The findings illustrate the benefits of paid transitional housing for those returning home during the pandemic. With the economic and social consequences of COVID-19 likely to persist, finding ways to set up formerly incarcerated individuals for success is imperative. Results suggest that paid transitional housing and additional housing assistance may be one avenue to accomplish this goal.

Reentry Readiness Among Women With Mental Health Conditions: Implications for Rehabilitation Counselors

The presence of mental health conditions increases vulnerability to unsuccessful reentry outcomes upon release from incarceration. Women with histories of mental health conditions make up a considerable proportion of the female correctional population. Rehabilitation counselors (RCs) are increasingly likely to support women with incarceration histories despite minimal research on correctional populations in the field. Reentry readiness is one area that could benefit from rehabilitation counseling professionals’ unique training. The construct of readiness has been associated with successful outcomes in a variety of contexts, including employment, education, and treatment. This study surveyed a sample of 123 women preparing for release from a state correctional facility to examine the relative contributions that perceived self-efficacy, optimism, and motivation to change have on reentry readiness, and whether the presence of a mental health condition made any further contributions. Results from the hierarchical regression analysis showed self-efficacy and optimism were significant contributors to perceived reentry readiness. The presence of a mental health condition made no further contributions. Implications for RCs working in reentry and/or with clients who have incarceration histories are discussed. Curriculum considerations for RC education programs are also explored.

Study protocol paper for the multisite randomized controlled trial of comprehensive trauma informed reentry services for moderate to high-risk young males releasing from state prisons

IntroductionNearly half of the individuals who release from state prisons each year are under the age of 35; 89% are men. These young men are highly likely to be re-incarcerated. Research suggests untreated trauma symptoms contribute to high rates of incarceration and re-incarceration. As trauma symptomatology can increase during reentry, implementing trauma treatment during this time is critical. The current study fills an important gap by implementing an evidence-driven trauma intervention with young, incarcerated men and extending treatment post-release in the community. MethodsThis study evaluates the impact of the Resiliency in Stressful Experiences (RISE) program for 18–35-year-old incarcerated males releasing to participating counties. RISE is a multi-phased comprehensive trauma-based reentry program designed according to the transitional nature of reentry. The researchers will assess the influence of RISE on post-release housing and employment stability and recidivism and identify key mechanisms of change. Participants (n = 400) are randomly assigned 1:1 to RISE or a Treatment as Usual control group. DiscussionThis study will provide critical information about how trauma-informed reentry programming impacts traditional reentry outcomes (e.g., recidivism, housing, employment) and identify key mechanisms of action (e.g., reduced impulsivity and aggression). Coping with trauma symptomatology is a largely untapped area of scientific inquiry for criminal justice-involved populations, despite the significant role trauma plays in individuals' lives. Results advance identification of critical components of trauma-informed reentry interventions for moderate- to high-risk young men. This study provides critical data to support policymakers and corrections professionals eager for innovative approaches to improve post-release outcomes.

Predictors of Parent-Child Contact During a Parent’s Incarceration

ABSTRACT Over 2 million people are currently incarcerated – the majority of whom are parents to minor children. The reentry process is often difficult for parents as they navigate reentry challenges such as finding housing and employment while also trying to develop and reestablish relationships with their children. Increased parent-child contact during incarceration is associated with improved incarceration and reentry outcomes for both the parents and their children. Using survey data from 252 parents exiting the prison system, this study uses structural equation modeling to examine predictors of parent-child contact during incarceration. Findings suggest incarcerated parents have higher levels of contact with their children when the parents had less exposure to childhood adversities such as parental incarceration, foster care, and group home placement. Mothers display higher levels of contact with children than fathers; similarly, younger parents display higher levels of contact than older, as do those who had recent contact in the month prior to incarceration compared to those who did not. These findings highlight specific factors and populations for practitioners to target to increase the level of parent-child contact during incarceration.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't: How formerly incarcerated men navigate the labor market with prison credentials*

AbstractAlthough employment is central to successful reentry, formerly incarcerated people struggle to find work because of criminal stigma, poor education, and sparse work histories. Prison credentials are proposed as one solution to alleviate these challenges by signaling criminal desistance and employability. Evidence regarding their efficacy, however, is inconsistent. In this article, I develop a novel explanation—the prison credential dilemma—highlighting the numerous and contradictory ways employers may interpret prison credentials as positive and negative signals. Drawing on 50 qualitative interviews with formerly incarcerated men in Franklin County, Ohio, I examine how the prison credential dilemma and the uncertainty it produces shape their job search strategies and pathways to employment. I find that participants concealed or obscured institutional affiliations of prison credentials on job applications to signal employability rather than their criminal records. In job interviews, however, prison credentials were used to divert conversations away from their criminal record toward skills and criminal desistance via the use of redemptive narratives. Participants also attempted to acquire credentials outside of prison and/or pursued temporary, precarious jobs, aspiring for such physically strenuous and poorly paid work to materialize into stable employment. This study has implications for prison programming as well as policies and practices aiming to improve reentry outcomes.

Community relationship quality and reincarceration following rural drug-using women's reentry from jail.

Interpersonal relationships and social support are important factors in women's successful reentry from incarceration, but limited research has explored the role of women's relationships to their communities during the reentry process. In the current study, women were recruited from three rural Appalachian jails, screened for high-risk behaviors (including drug use and unprotected sex), and interviewed at 12 months postrelease (N = 339). Interviews included the Relational Health Indices-Community scale, a validated measure of women's relationships in community contexts, with subscales for empowerment/zest, engagement, and authenticity. Women who were reincarcerated during the 12-month postrelease period (43.4%) were younger, less employed, more likely to have used illicit drugs, and reported lower-quality community relationships at 12-month follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression models indicated that the effect of community relationships may be driven by the engagement and empowerment/zest constructs. Results suggest that community connectedness may relate to more successful reentry outcomes for rural women.

When Post-Incarcerated Individuals Return to High-Risk Neighborhoods: Staying Out of Trouble, Social Withdrawal, and Mental Health

Studies show that residents from urban, high-risk neighborhoods fair worse on multiple behavioral and health outcomes than their counterparts from more socially and economically advantaged neighborhoods. However, few research efforts have been devoted to examining how formerly incarcerated individuals’ concerns over neighborhood environment are associated with reentry outcomes. Using longitudinal data that captured the reentry experiences of individuals released from prison, the present study quantifies how returning citizens’ concerns over neighborhood environment predict their social withdrawal and mental health deterioration. Findings suggest that when respondents’ post-release family bonds, financial difficulty, drug use, and past mental health histories are all taken into account, their concerns over neighborhood environment exert a significant and positive effect on social withdrawal, depression, and hostility. Returning citizens who believe it is hard to stay out of trouble and prison in their neighborhoods tend to avoid social interactions with others and experience depression and increased hostility and vigilance. Implications for reentry programing and interventions are discussed.

Rethinking Prisoner Reentry

With a focus on reentry after prison, we formulate an evidence-supported action plan for enhancing transitions from prison to society that focuses on increasing independence, reducing racial and ethnic disparities, and achieving public safety. Prisoner re-entry is a critical piece of any racial justice agenda as the lack of education or vocational training within carcer institutions impose barriers to job opportunities that, coupled with societal stigmas, often make reintegration extremely challenging. Noting that changes in policies with significant potential to improve reentry outcomes extend beyond federal agencies traditionally involved in the administration of justice, we include ways to reduce reentry barriers such as housing, education, employment, health, and political rights. The paper is divided into short, medium and long-term recommendations. The short-term recommendations pertain to existing funding streams and discretionary authority regarding administrative rules and regulations, funding decisions, and rule enforcement. Medium-term recommendations involve the creation of new legislation, infrastructure, and funding appropriations. In the long-term, recommendations include changes in laws to achieve fundamental re-orientations of existing policy frameworks, and approaches that require substantial new funding appropriations.

Peer-focused prison reentry programs: Which peer characteristics matter most?

Over the past two decades, recidivism rates have remained relatively stable, leading practitioners to explore innovative reentry solutions. One reentry model, based on the concept of peer mentorship, has received renewed attention. Unfortunately, little is known about which peer characteristics make mentors most effective in a prison setting. This study uses participant observation and semi-structured interviews, embedded with survey questions, to understand which “peer” characteristics prison staff, peer mentors, and mentees perceive as the most important. Analysis of survey data also suggests that a history of incarceration is perceived as the most important characteristic for peer mentors in a reentry context. Additionally, the qualitative analysis reveals that mentors need to be perceived as credible to be effective role models for reentry. This credibility was almost exclusively linked to a lived experience of incarceration. Peer mentorship remains a viable option for improving reentry outcomes, but hiring the appropriate, credible peers is essential for effective implementation.

The Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Prison Adjustment and Recidivism among Military Veterans: Evidence from Minnesota.

The prevalence of, and link between, mental health disorders-such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-and antisocial behavior is well-documented among the military veteran population. Studies also show that TBI and PTSD account for variation in prison-based and re-entry outcomes. Despite this body of research, comparatively fewer studies have explicitly focused on how these factors affect prison adjustment for inmates with prior military experience. We used administrative data provided by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MnDOC) and employed a series of survival analyses to examine how prior diagnoses of TBI and PTSD (among other risk factors) influence metrics of institutional adjustment and recidivism among a sample of military veterans. Our results indicate that the effects of TBI, PTSD, and other indicators of criminogenic risk are relevant when examining the experiences of justice-involved military veterans-especially with respect recidivism-based outcomes. The implications of our results are discussed and directions for future research are given.

Decomposition of the Role of Family in Reentry: Family Support, Tension, Gender, and Reentry Outcomes

A vast body of reentry research has investigated the role of family in facilitating reentry success. However, it is largely unknown whether family can both be a source of support and conflict and if so, whether these impacts are gender-specific. This study explores the heterogeneous elements that family brings to the reintegration process. Findings suggest that released prisoners’ families can bring either crime-inhibitory or criminogenic influences depending on the familial environment. Support from family members protects respondents from criminal recidivism, while strained family relationships are a significant predictor for drug use. Moreover, the detrimental effect of family tension is gender-sensitive: Females released from prison suffer an amplified risk of reentry failure under family tension. Implications for correctional programming are discussed.