Reentry Programs Research Articles

Passport to Freedom: A Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Program for Previously Incarcerated Women.

Poly-victimization is often reported by formerly incarcerated women and leads to physical and mental health problems that interfere with daily functioning, sustained employment, and housing stability. Although reentry programs exist, few focus on the physical and emotional impact of multiple traumas. Passport to Freedom (P2F), a woman-centered, trauma-informed reentry program, was developed to support formerly incarcerated women. The pilot intervention, performed in 2017, focused on the connections between trauma and health, coping with symptoms, and managing one's own health. To examine the effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention, we performed the current mixed methods study with two phases: (1) focus groups, and (2) sessions combining mindfulness and health promotion activities with follow-up evaluations. Participants (N = 24) showed decreased symptoms of depression and concerns of everyday stressors after the intervention. Of participants, 84% (n = 16) reported practicing mindfulness and 63% (n = 8) stated that mindfulness exercises helped with daily stress management. The P2F program offers a promising approach to support formerly incarcerated women with health self-management. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(6), 18-26.].

Health and Care Needs of Young Adults Exiting Jail.

Reentry is a difficult juncture for young adults (ages 18-24 years), who simultaneously face challenges of emerging adulthood. Although their health-related needs may be substantial, little is reported on young adults' reentry health care and social service needs. Furthermore, empirical measurements of factors affecting their engagement in reentry services after jail are lacking. We sought to describe health needs and predictors of linkages to reentry services for the 2,525 young adult participants in the Whole Person Care-LA Reentry program (WPC Reentry). Descriptive statistics were calculated and chi-square tests, t tests, and logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with linkage to WPC Reentry postrelease compared with only engaging with WPC Reentry prerelease. Most participants (72.6%) were male, 80.2% were Hispanic or Black, and 60.9% had been unhoused. Mental health (57.2%) and substance use disorders (45.8%) were common, physical health was overall good (mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score 0.53), and social needs, especially housing, were high (40.7%). Older age (i.e., closer to 25 years) and history of being unhoused were associated with higher postrelease engagement in WPC Reentry (age: odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, p = .01; history of being unhoused: OR = 1.18, p = .05). Attentiveness to younger clients and to addressing housing needs may be key for successful reentry care linkages.

Age Differences in the Associations Between Incarceration and Subsequent Substance Use, Sexual Risk-Taking, and Incident STI Among Black Sexual Minority Men and Black Transgender Women in the HIV Prevention Trials 061 Cohort.

Incarceration can lead to different risk behaviors often due to increased distress and disruption of social networks. It is not well known, however, how these associations may differ by age. In this study, we measure age differences in longitudinal associations between incarceration and substance use, sex risk, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) among Black sexual minority men and Black transgender women (BSMM/BTW). We recruited BSMM/BTW from 2009 to 2011 that were part of the HIV Prevention Trials Network 061 study. We compared those less than 30 years old (n = 375) to those 30 years old or greater (n = 794) examining substance use, sex risk, and STI infection stratified by age. Logistic regression with inverse probability weighting was used for the statistical analysis. Approximately 59% of the sample reported incarceration history. In adjusted analysis, incarceration was more strongly associated with alcohol use and stimulant use among older individuals as was sexual risk behaviors including buying and selling sex. Concurrent partnerships were associated with the younger age groups. STI incidence was associated with younger individuals while associations with HIV infection were similar for the two age groups. Understanding differences in substance use and STI risk among age cohorts is imperative to the design and implementation of re-entry programs. Younger BSMM/BTW participating in re-entry support programs may benefit in particular from HIV/STI prevention and care efforts, while post-release substance abuse treatment and harm reduction programs should target older individuals with continued substance abuse.

Barriers and facilitators to health during prison reentry to Miami, FL.

People face numerous barriers to reentry and community integration following incarceration, and these obstacles manifest themselves as barriers to economic stability, housing security, healthcare, community acceptance, and educational attainment, ultimately leading to poor health. This study aims to understand healthcare needs of reentrants post release within the unique political and service context of Miami Dade County, FL, and seeks to uncover the structural facilitators and barriers to sustaining health during reentry. We report on a subset of data from a larger reentry asset mapping project. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis based on 12 semi-structured interviews with community stakeholders, including reentrants who were released in the past year (n = 5) and with community providers who have provided support services to returning citizens for at least one year (n = 7). Narratives were coded through an iterative process using NVivo software and were analyzed using the general inductive approach. Three themes emerged from the analysis: (1) social and structural barriers and facilitators to health during reentry, (2) challenges with medical care following release, and (3) long-term impacts of receiving poor healthcare in prison. Reentrants describe the carceral environment as non-conducive to health and cite an urgent need for systemic change within correctional institutions to promote their well-being. Respondents identified substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, trauma informed therapy, and chronic disease management as the primary healthcare needs of reentrants, and cite social support, stable housing, education, and employment as the key social and structural needs upon release. This study identifies prevalent resource gaps in Miami Dade County during reentry. Respondents advocate for more inclusive governmental housing programs, Medicaid expansion, and more holistic reentry programs to support reentrants. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to health during reentry can inform future interventions to better support reentrants in their transition post-incarceration.

Life after Imprisonment: Exploring the Repercussions of Jail Time on Ex-Convicts

Representation is imperative to help society comprehend what life is like after imprisonment. This qualitative study delves into the nuanced experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals, commonly referred to as ex-convicts, within the province of Davao del Sur. Through snowball sampling and in-depth interviews, we explored the challenges they faced, the consequences of these challenges, the coping mechanisms they employed, and the insights gained during their reintegration into society. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, the research uncovers three primary challenges faced by ex-convicts: (1) anticipated stigma and stigma management, the struggle to secure (2) emotional and material support, and (3) social readjustment and reintegration due to their preconceived detachment from society outside prison. Moreover, the findings indicate that former inmates experienced negative effects caused by their time in jail, leading to (1) emotional distress. However, the experience also served as a means for them to (2) restore their faith and become more (3) introspective in their thoughts and actions. Their coping mechanisms provided them hope and a positive mindset in overcoming the challenges they encountered, such as (1) social and spiritual, and (2) mindful acceptance of their current situation, which showed their resilience, faith, and as a repercussion of their violations. Furthermore, imprisonment became insightful learning to them to have a (1) stronghold between family ties and emotional support, as well as (2) renewed their faith in God. Consequently, government social reentry programs must be reinforced to help these individuals in many facets of their lives to promote resilient adjustments and prevent recidivism.

Assessing the reentry needs of incarcerated individuals with co-occurring opioid use and mental health concerns

Individuals with co-occurring mental health concerns and opioid use disorder (COD) are at high risk of mortality and poor social and health outcomes upon release, and there is a need to better understand the unique reentry needs of this population. The high level of need experienced by individuals with COD will demonstrate a necessity for comprehensive reentry support which includes mental health treatment, Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), social services such as education, employment, Medicaid, and housing. This sample included 490 adults from a targeted jail/prison reentry program for individuals experiencing COD in a Midwestern state. Program participants had histories of trauma (90%), homelessness (62%), and inpatient psychiatric care (38%). Further, most participants reported needing medical attention for a physical problem (70%) at baseline. Finally, participants had extensive criminal-legal system exposures, with an average of 10 lifetime arrests outside of their current incarceration (M = 9.91, SD = 8.74). The findings have important implications for expanding reentry services to support individuals with COD. This includes the need to begin services prior to release and ensuring the coordination and continuity of care with community-based treatment providers.

Reentry and transition into college life: A study of formerly incarcerated individuals in Southern California

ABSTRACT In California, formerly incarcerated individuals face several challenges while pursuing higher education. To combat these challenges, there are several programs in the California higher education system that provide supportive services for formerly incarcerated college students (FICS). Yet, there have been limited scholarly evaluations of the efficacy of these programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. This study uses a mixed-methods design to fill this gap in the literature and pursue its threefold purpose: (1) investigate how formerly incarcerated college students (FICS) describe their transition into college life, (2) determine the characteristics of a successful campus-based reentry program for system-impacted students, and (3) explore the extent to which existing campus support programs have addressed their needs. Interviews conducted with 18 FICS (N = 18) reveal that FICS would benefit from a broad range of campus services—with academic, technological, financial, work, legal, and human connection components. Meanwhile, descriptive statistics show that (a) campus support programs make more than two-thirds of FICS feel welcome and (b) about a third of the study participants experienced a smooth transition into college life. These findings support reentry programs like Project Rebound and suggest a need for individual case management as well as cross-campus and community collaboration.

The role of ethnicity in the admission process of male juvenile released offenders: Examining risk and readiness to change in the Israeli Shushan centers.

Disparities in evaluating readiness to change and recidivism risk across diverse cultural groups can profoundly affect rehabilitation program efficacy. This study examines readiness to change and recidivism risk disparities between Israeli-Arabs and Israeli-Jews entering a re-entry program by the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority postrelease. The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale questionnaire gauged readiness to change, whereas the Ohio Youth Assessment System-Residential tool assessed recidivism risk. The sample included 151 participants: 98 Israeli-Arabs and 53 Israeli-Jews. Mean differences in change readiness and recidivism risk were statistically assessed through t tests. Significant differences emerged in change readiness levels between Israeli-Arabs and Jews upon rehabilitation program entry, with Israeli-Jews exhibiting higher readiness. Additionally, a noteworthy divergence in recidivism risk was noted, indicating elevated average risk for Israeli-Jews. Findings underscore the vital need for cultural sensitivity during admission. Bias potential in assessing risk for Arab participants emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive culturally sensitive approach. While focusing on admission, the Risk-Need-Responsivity model application could enhance risk evaluation and guide culturally tailored treatments.

NITEO: an innovative mental health and education program designed to reengage students with mental health conditions in college

Objective: The prevalence of mental health symptoms on university campuses is high and rising, resulting in detrimental effects on academic performance. Few resources exist to address the needs of students who must leave school for mental health reasons. Participants: Seeking to understand the effect of a college reentry program (NITEO) to assist students in reengaging with undergraduate studies, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with all college coaches (N = 5), triangulating our findings with interviews of NITEO students (N = 31). Methods: We used a rapid and focused ethnographic approach with thematic and content analysis using NVivo software. Results: Two major themes arose from our analyses affirming the role of the college coach in (1) developing a strong working alliance as a foundation for coaching; (2) promoting self-determination. Conclusions: Programs that enable students with mental health conditions who have dropped out to reenter college are needed; college coaching can be an effective approach.

Harnessing education and lifestyle change to support transitional health for returning citizens: a feasibility study protocol

BackgroundExercise and healthy eating are known to reduce chronic disease risk; however, formerly incarcerated individuals (i.e., returning citizens) face significant social barriers when attempting to engage with existing community-based physical activity and nutrition programs. Given the high disease burden and unique educational needs of returning citizens, this proposed work fills an important gap in the support services currently offered to this population.MethodsThis article describes a process for evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity and nutrition intervention tailored to the needs of returning citizens via a partnership between an academic research organization and a community-based reentry program for returning citizens. Staff from the community-based reentry program will train four returning citizens as group fitness instructors and work with a nutritionist to design a 16-week nutrition education curriculum. Reentry program staff will enroll up to 15 formerly incarcerated adults (aged 18 +) in the exercise and nutrition program. Participants will take part in weekly nutrition classes led by the nutritionist and weekly group exercise classes led by a peer instructor. Research staff will evaluate program success in four domains: reach, preliminary effectiveness, implementation, and maintenance.ResultsThis feasibility study will allow us to design and test a program that can eventually be evaluated in a large, randomized trial. It also addresses the multitude of social determinants that impact the health of returning citizens and builds a framework for program sustainability. Individuals recruited as fitness trainers will acquire skills and certifications that may be used to sustain physical fitness activities within the reentry program.ConclusionsThis feasibility study will test our ability to address social determinants that impact the health of returning citizens through a peer-led physical activity and nutrition programming. In the long term, study results may inform development and implementation of reentry programming and policy on a wider scale.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Community Health Specialists Within Gender-Responsive Probation Supervision

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the experiences of women probationers engaged in gender-responsive supervision with community health supports versus ‘gender-responsive supervision as usual.’ Treatment group participants engaged in a new supervision model in a large metropolitan county in a Western state which was created to improve their specific responsivity needs and public health supports. The Women’s Reentry Assessment, Programming, and Services (WRAPS) model included enhanced wraparound, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed supervision that incorporated Community Health Specialists (CHSs) working alongside probation officers. Although the WRAPS intervention did not reduce recidivism relative to the control group, there is evidence that gender-responsive probation supervision does reduce recidivism overall when compared to baseline. Findings from interview data indicate strong support for gender-responsive probation in general and the WRAPS model in particular. Clients and staff viewed the CHS role as highly impactful in addressing women’s specific responsivity needs and supporting women’s success. Recommendations surrounding gender-responsive probation and integration of public health staff are discussed.

“False Positives, Re-Entry Programs and Long Term English Learners”: Undoing Dichotomous Frames in U.S. Language Education Policy

ABSTRACT At the core of contemporary U.S. language education policy is the dichotomous dividing of bilingual students into English Learners (ELs) who are entitled to extra support and non-ELs who are not entitled to this support. In this article, we genealogically trace the normative assumptions that go into this framing of the issue. We begin by examining the historical development of this dichotomous grouping of bilingual students within the remedial framing of the Bilingual Education Act that, building on the verbal deprivation theory that was prominent at the time, reproduced raciolinguistic ideologies that framed the language practices of racialized bilingual students as deficient and in need of remediation. We then examine how this remedial framing provided incentives for proponents of bilingual education to advocate for limited English proficiency as broadly as possible to ensure that more students were deemed eligible for these programs. We then examine contemporary vignettes that point to the tensions that this ideological underpinning has created for contemporary U.S. language education policymakers. We end with a discussion of ways of reconceptualizing U.S. language education policy that reject the remedial orientation that has informed this dichotomous framing and is responsive to the tensions reported by these educators.

Lessons Learned During 4.5 Years of OT Reentry Services for People in Jail & Prison: Process Evaluation of the Occupational Therapy Transition & Integration Services Program

Abstract Date Presented 04/21/2023 We will present the results from a long-term process evaluation of the Occupational Therapy Transition and Integration Services (OTTIS) reentry program. Lessons learned will be explored with examples of how the program has evolved over the past 4.5 years, working with people who are incarcerated. Primary Author and Speaker: Lisa Jaegers Additional Authors and Speakers: Christine Picker, Mackenzie Murphy Contributing Authors: Karen Barney

Evaluation of an occupational therapy reentry program: Achieving goals to support employment and community living after incarceration.

Individuals released from prisons to community supervision often experience unstable housing, unemployment, substance misuse, mental ill-health, and lack of support systems contributing to high rates of recidivism. Occupational therapy practitioners have distinct value in promoting engagement in new habits and routines to support "occupation," or development of daily living skills to support community reentry. We developed an occupational therapy (OT) program within a Department of Corrections (DOC) Community Supervision Center in the Midwest United States. The purpose of this study was to determine feasibility and efficacy of an OT program for community reentry. The program was piloted with a sample of five justice-involved men who received OT interventions. Pre- and post-test assessments included a behavioral health interview, demographic survey, five Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) assessments, the Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) and Activity Card Sort-Advancing Inclusive Assessment. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine goal attainment and compare pre- and post-test scores over time and to a reference population (PROMIS). Staff of the DOC were also interviewed to assess perceived feasibility and efficacy of this pilot. Significant health changes were reported in participant self-efficacy, managing emotions, anxiety, and sleep disturbances (1 > SD). Moderate changes were seen in reduced feelings of social isolation (0.5 > 1SD). It was feasible to implement an OT program with tailored reentry interventions based on unique needs of criminal justice involved individuals. Initial findings suggest OT offers health promotion benefits to reduce risk of recidivism and prepare individuals for community reentry following incarceration.

Advocacy on the outside: Advancing support for system‐impacted students through grassroots leadership

AbstractCommunity College Reentry Programs (CCRPs) are campus‐based programs that serve formerly incarcerated students by providing targeted services attuned to their needs. Currently, there are 62 community colleges in California that have CCRPs. While emerging research has begun to examine the experiences of students in these programs, little is known about the staff who lead them. This study uses a grassroots leadership perspective to examine how CCRP staff lead for organizational change. Through the presentation of two case narratives of CCRPs, I show how staff lead reform efforts towards advancing justice and equity for their students on campus and in the community. My findings have implications for strengthening aid for these programs and better supporting their staff.

Applied machine learning analysis: Factors correlated with injection drug use and post-prison medication for opioid use disorder treatment engagement

Objectives This study aimed to classify the factors that were correlated with injection drug use (IDU) and with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) treatment engagement among individuals who were recently released from prison. Methods Data for this study were obtained from a Midwestern reentry program for incarcerated individuals with co-occurring opioid use and a mental health disorder between May 1, 2017, and April 30, 2020. CHAID decision tree modeling was utilized to classify IDU and MOUD treatment engagement. Results Those most likely to report IDU were individuals with a Hepatitis C diagnosis and a history of overdose, and those least likely to report IDU were not diagnosed with Hepatitis C, identified as a person of color, and never overdosed on opioids. The subgroup of that were most likely to report MOUD treatment engagement were individuals taking psychiatric medication and who had a history of IDU. The subgroup of participants least likely to report MOUD treatment engagement were individuals prescribed psychiatric medication, without had a history of IDU, and were not participating in substance-use treatment. Conclusion Our findings indicate that, to protect vulnerable populations and to flatten the overdose mortality curve, an increased focus is required within criminal/legal systems to facilitate linkages to care at reentry.

Access to Hepatitis C Treatment during and after Incarceration in New Jersey, United States: A Qualitative Study.

Despite effective antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV), people who are incarcerated and those returning to the community face challenges in obtaining HCV treatment. We aimed to explore facilitators and barriers to HCV treatment during and after incarceration. From July-November 2020 and June-July 2021, we conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with residents who were formerly incarcerated in jail or prison. The interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the study sample and analyzed qualitative data thematically using an iterative process. Participants included five women and 22 men who self-identified as White (n = 14), Latinx (n = 8), and Black (n = 5). During incarceration, a key facilitator was having sufficient time to complete HCV treatment, and the corresponding barrier was delaying treatment initiation. After incarceration, a key facilitator was connecting with reentry programs (e.g., halfway house or rehabilitation program) that coordinated the treatment logistics and provided support with culturally sensitive staff. Barriers included a lack of insurance coverage and higher-ranking priorities (e.g., managing more immediate reentry challenges such as other comorbidities, employment, housing, and legal issues), low perceived risk of harm related to HCV, and active substance use. Incarceration and reentry pose distinct facilitators and challenges to accessing HCV treatment. These findings signal the need for interventions to improve engagement in HCV care both during and after incarceration to assist in closing the gap of untreated people living with HCV.

Career Building Among Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates

The California State University (CSU) Project Rebound is a re-entry program that provides educational, social, financial, and case management to formerly incarcerated college students with the goal of helping them become successful post-incarceration and post-graduation. This exploratory study examines successful career-building strategies reported by formerly incarcerated college graduates (FICG) who participated in a CSU-sponsored re-entry program. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 alumni of a specific Project Rebound program ( N = 13). Results from thematic analysis revealed five major themes depicting the post-graduation employment trajectory of FICG, the challenges that are unique to FICG, and strategies for improving career success among this population. Implications of the findings for theory, research, practice, and policy are discussed.

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.

Technology integration: a promising way to mitigate recidivism of youth in juvenile justice

Justice-involved youth have a high risk of reoffending after release, indicating the need for evidence-based reentry programming. This paper presents the results of a two-year post-release non-randomized comparison study. The study examined the impact of enhanced transition programming, delivered through Reentry Intervention and Support for Engagement by Integrating Technology (RISE-IT), on recidivism by comparing two groups, youth who received enhanced vs. traditional transition services in a secure care facility. Enhanced services included: enhanced reception, assessment & classification, transition planning, vocational preparation, merging two worlds curriculum, and 30-day aftercare support. Results indicate that youth who received enhanced services through RISE-IT had significantly lower rates of recidivism. Limitations and implications for practice, as well as future research, are discussed.