Transaction Search Form: please type in any of the fields below.
Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 3:58 am
Time: 3:58 am
Results for offender reentry
8 results foundAuthor: American Indian Development Associates Title: Strategies for Creating Offender Reentry Programs in Indian Country Summary: Strategies for Creating Offender Reentry Programs in Indian Country was written to provide guidance on promising practices and strategies related to offender reentry in Indian Country. It provides a historical overview, gives guidance in developing reentry programs, provides general reentry policy considerations and recommendations, highlights tribal reentry programs, and provides federal and other resources. Details: Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Community Capacity Development Office, 2010. 55p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 18, 2011 at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ccdo/programs/reentry-indiancounty/508_Full_Prisoner_Reentry.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ccdo/programs/reentry-indiancounty/508_Full_Prisoner_Reentry.pdf Shelf Number: 120828 Keywords: American IndiansIndigenous PeoplesOffender Reentry |
Author: Wormith, J. Stephen Title: Homelessness Among Offenders Released from Federal Correctional Facilities in Saskatchewan Summary: A growing body of research has identified housing as a key component in the successful reintegration of offenders into the community following a period of incarceration. Federal offenders are likely to face greater challenges obtaining stable housing than provincial offenders because, by law, they have been sentenced to longer periods of custody (i.e., a minimum of two years, although most are released within 16 months). Longer time away from the community may result in additional difficulty obtaining stable housing for reasons, which include the loss of past contacts. The purpose of this project was to examine issues related to housing and homelessness of federal offenders released from custody into the Saskatchewan community. More specifically, an examination of current services available to assist offenders in finding appropriate housing, characteristics of offenders who are homeless and housing services that are needed was conducted. Three kinds of research methodology were utilized: 1. A search of Saskatchewan housing services and programs available to released federal offenders was undertaken. 2. In-depth interviews were conducted with a broad cross-section of key informants involved in housing related activities with federal offenders. 3. Data were collected from offender files and interviews with 41 inmates residing in Saskatchewan federal correctional facilities. Two sets of interviews were conducted. One interview took place prior to the offenders' release from prison and the other interview took place after they were released to communities in Saskatchewan. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted in order to address the research questions of this study. Qualitative content analyses were conducted in order to provide detailed descriptive information of the current services and the housing needs and issues of federal offenders. Quantitative research methods were used to analyze numerical data and conduct analyses to determine whether offender characteristics are related to homelessness. The use of multiple data sources and methods of analyses increases the validity of the findings. Prior to analyzing the findings that address each of the research questions, a description of the housing situation of the participants was provided. Homelessness was found to increase after incarceration. For the 11 participants interviewed in the community only, homelessness decreased to similar levels as pre-incarceration when in the community. It is difficult to state that the levels of homelessness would have decreased to the pre-incarceration levels for the whole sample since they were a more serious offender group. Therefore, the small sample size at follow-up was a limitation for this specific analysis. However, the community sample may be more representative of offenders actually remaining in the community as more serious offenders are more likely to re-offend and be re-incarcerated. The following main findings are presented as they address each of the research questions below. 1. Are there adequate housing resources and support for released offenders? To determine whether there are adequate housing resources and support for released offenders the inventory of housing services, key informant interviews and offender interviews were analyzed. The inventory of housing services available for released offenders indicated that single males who are high risk/high needs with a violent or sexual criminal history and not on parole or conditional release have the least options. Key informant interviews found that a number of positive housing programs and services are available. However, waitlists and accessibility to these programs pose a barrier to offenders trying to access them. Federal offenders stated that more housing support and resources are needed prior to their release in order to help them better establish their housing plans and avoid some of the difficulties they face when trying to obtain housing, such as finding safe and affordable accommodation. 2. How can we prevent federally released offenders from becoming homeless? Federal offenders and key informants identified factors that would prevent offenders from becoming homeless. Federal offenders stated that support/access to resources, financial assistance and accommodation was needed to prevent them from becoming homeless. Key informants stated that a central housing registry and/or an offender housing complex, housing life skills programs, less discrimination, and an appropriate minimum wage to keep up with housing costs was needed to prevent federal offenders from becoming homeless. 3. Are there characteristics that differentiate those who find stable housing from those who do not? Offenders who were homeless prior to incarceration were likely to be more violent and have higher needs than those who had more stable housing. Those who had more stable housing were also more likely to have greater community support. Furthermore, sex offenders and those who engaged in Aboriginal programming were less likely to have an adequate housing plan at release. Key informants reported that offenders who were more likely to be homeless were those who lacked finances, needed housing resources, lacked life skills, had to search for a new home, and did not have a job. 4. Is there a need for specific programs for federally released offenders? Lastly, a review of the information provided through the inventory of housing services available, key informants and federal offenders indicated the need for programs that create more accessibility to housing resources and increase pre-release planning, and the creation of a central housing registry and supportive living unit for federal offenders with no other housing options. Details: Saskatoon: University of Saskatchewan, 2010. 77p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 26, 2014 at: http://www.usask.ca/cfbsjs/research/pdf/research_reports/Federal_Offenders_Housing_and_Homelessness_Final-2.pdf Year: 2010 Country: Canada URL: http://www.usask.ca/cfbsjs/research/pdf/research_reports/Federal_Offenders_Housing_and_Homelessness_Final-2.pdf Shelf Number: 132552 Keywords: Ex-OffendersHomelessnessHousingOffender ReentryReintegration |
Author: Bateman, Tim Title: Resettlement of Girls and Young Women: Research Report Summary: This report addresses a worrying gap in the knowledge about the effective resettlement of girls and young women. Reviewing research literature in a number of relevant areas, it cross-references evidence of what works in the resettlement of young people with what we know about the wider need of girls and young women. This iterative synthesis approach thus provides a gender-sensitive approach to inform policy and practice development in resettlement for this specific group. Introduction: addressing the resettlement needs of an ignored constituency - Recent years has seen an increasing focus on the resettlement of young people after custody, with a number of initiatives designed to address stubbornly high reoffending rates. However, the specific needs of girls and young women have received little attention in policy and practice. This is a worrying gap because research with adult female offenders consistently warns that what works with male offenders is unlikely to work with females. - The resettlement needs of girls and young women have been ignored partly because they make up a small proportion of the custodial population, and partly because they usually offend less frequently and seriously than young males. - Academics have also largely ignored the needs of this group in resettlement. This is reflective of relatively limited numbers of studies on women in the criminal justice system more generally, but with even less known about younger females, and less still around custody. - This report provides gender-sensitive perspective of the established gender-neutral principles of what works in resettlement with young people. The report first considers the contemporary policy context for the resettlement of girls and young women, specifically in relation to Transforming Youth Custody. Literature searches then focused on reasons behind female youth offending, reviews judicial responses to this group, details the characteristics of young females in custody, and reflects on lessons from interventions with older females. Finally, the report draws on any resettlement studies or interventions that have previously included some focus on girls or young women's specific needs. Details: London: Beyond Youth Custody, 2014. 68p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 13, 2014 at: http://www.beyondyouthcustody.net/wp-content/uploads/421_research-report_04_8_w-front_cover.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.beyondyouthcustody.net/wp-content/uploads/421_research-report_04_8_w-front_cover.pdf Shelf Number: 133886 Keywords: Female OffendersGender-Specific ProgrammingOffender ReentryRehabilitation ProgramsYoung Adult Offenders (U.K.) |
Author: Saliba, Antoinette Mary Title: Beyond the Prison Walls: the role of a criminal record check in balancing risk management and reintegration through employment Summary: The role of rehabilitating ex-offenders has traditionally been understood as belonging firmly within the administration of corrections and as such governed by the state. This thesis is undertaken within the area of criminal justice studies and examines what happens beyond the realms of corrections, through the utilisation of the criminal record, specifically in relation to employment. It brings into focus the reintegration of ex-offenders into the community and the impact of their criminal record on their reception by non-government institutions, employers and the community. To this end, this thesis uses theories of governmentality and the discourse of failure as outlined by Michel Foucault. These theories are applied to the analyses of the governing of ex-offenders by non-government organisations, institutions and employers within society. Furthermore, a Foucauldian genealogical approach is taken in relation to the disjointed and, at some stages, simultaneous development of facets of the criminal record within Victoria. Quantitative and qualitative Victorian data are considered in relation to the construction and development of the criminal record. This approach is utilised to gain a purchase on the particular ways in which the criminal record is constructed and used by prospective employers as a form of risk assessment for the possible future behaviour of ex-offenders. This form of risk assessment used by prospective employers will be considered against the forms of risk assessments performed by Corrections in relation to reoffending. Specifically, an in-depth analysis will be undertaken of the Victorian Intervention Screening Assessment Tool (VISAT), to illustrate how risk assessment tools have a tendency to reduce an immense level of information into simplistic and predetermined formats. Furthermore, the growing practice of criminal record checks will be analysed for its impact on the employment options of ex-offenders. This will be presented through a critical analysis of various forms of data, including employment advertisements, employment statistics of offenders and future industry indications. Through this multi-dimensional analysis of texts relating to criminal records and Corrections data, this thesis examines the role played by non-government institutions as distinct from the role of Government itself in thwarting stated aims of rehabilitation. Finally, recommendations will be made which are aimed at improving this problematic condition. The research findings support the conclusions that the criminal record is a complex, multifaceted inscription and as such, its reduction to a simplistic predetermined form - the National Police Certificate - makes it an inappropriate risk assessment tool for prospective employers. Furthermore, this research has found that the way the criminal record is used significantly impacts on the reintegration of ex-offenders. It is argued that the inability of ex-offenders to become gainfully employed and regain full active citizenship, subsequent to participation in rehabilitation programs and correctional intervention contributes to the high rate of recidivism. It is therefore concluded that society has a critical role to play in the successful reintegration of ex-offenders and the lowering of recidivism rates. Details: Melbourne: RMIT University, 2012. 264p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed May 17, 2017 at: https://researchbank.rmit.edu.au/eserv/rmit:160273/Saliba.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: https://researchbank.rmit.edu.au/eserv/rmit:160273/Saliba.pdf Shelf Number: 131275 Keywords: Criminal Background ChecksCriminal RecordEx-Offender EmploymentOffender ReentryOffender Rehabilitation |
Author: Jackson, Osborne Title: Reintegrating the Ex-Offender Population in the U.S. Labor Market: Lessons from the CORI Reform in Massachusetts Summary: Policymakers have proposed and enacted policies that seek to limit the negative consequences that a criminal record imposes on ex-offenders, their families, and society at large. Some states have changed how criminal records are accessed and governed in the interest of removing unduly burdensome barriers to employment for some ex-offenders. Between 2010 and 2012, Massachusetts enacted the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Reform, changing access guidelines for criminal records and preventing employers from inquiring about criminal history on an initial application for employment. This report empirically analyzes the impact of the two components of Massachusetts CORI Reform and finds that, contrary to expectations, the CORI Reform caused a small reduction in average employment for ex-offenders. Another finding of the report is that the reform also caused a small reduction in ex-offender recidivism, seemingly indicating a modest increase in ex-offender reintegration. The report concludes by noting that further policy measures and programs are needed to better support the reintegration of ex-offenders into civil society. Details: Boston: New England Public Policy Center, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, 2017. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Report 17-1: Accessed May 24, 2017 at: https://www.bostonfed.org/publications/new-england-public-policy-center-research-report/2017/reintegrating-the-ex-offender-population-in-the-us-labor-market.aspx Year: 2017 Country: United States URL: https://www.bostonfed.org/publications/new-england-public-policy-center-research-report/2017/reintegrating-the-ex-offender-population-in-the-us-labor-market.aspx Shelf Number: 145758 Keywords: Employment Programs Ex-Offender Employment Offender ReentryOffender Reintegration |
Author: Yesberg, Julia Title: Exploring Mechanisms of Change in the Rehabilitation of High-Risk Offenders Summary: The success or failure of many different types of treatment is often measured by one type of outcome. For example, treatment for substance abuse might be judged to have failed if a patient "goes on a bender" some time after completing the programme. The same is true for offender rehabilitation. Treatment success or failure is usually determined by whether or not an offender is reconvicted of a new offence in a specified follow-up period. We know from the literature that offender rehabilitation can have modest but significant effects on reducing recidivism. Yet we know little about what brings about these reductions (i.e., how the treatment worked). This thesis explores possible mechanisms of change in offender rehabilitation. I propose that although a reduction in recidivism is an important long-term outcome of treatment, there are a number of additional outcomes that have the potential to explain not only if but how treatment works and why it is unsuccessful in leading to a reduction in reoffending for some offenders. Study 1 is a typical outcome evaluation of New Zealand's rehabilitation programmes for high-risk male offenders: the High Risk Special Treatment Units (HRSTUs). I compared the recidivism rates of a sample of HRSTU completers with a comparison sample of high-risk offenders who had not completed the programme (a between-subjects design). I found that relative to the comparison group, treatment completers had significantly lower rates of four different indices of recidivism, varying in severity. The remainder of the thesis explored possible mechanisms of change within the HRSTU sample (a within-subjects design). Study 2 examined immediate outcomes of treatment, which I defined as within-treatment change on dynamic risk factors. I found that offenders made significant change on the Violence Risk Scale during treatment, but there was no significant relationship between treatment change and recidivism. Studies 3 and 4 examined intermediate outcomes of treatment, which I defined as barriers (risk factors) and facilitators (protective factors) that influence the process of offender re-entry. Study 3 validated an instrument designed to measure these factors: the Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Re-entry (DRAOR). I found that the tool had good convergent validity and reliably predicted recidivism above a static risk estimate. Study 4 used the newly validated DRAOR to test an explanation for the lack of a direct relationship between treatment change and recidivism. I tested whether treatment change had an indirect relationship with recidivism through its influence on the re-entry process. I found that treatment change was related to a number of re-entry outcomes; however, only two models could be tested for mediation because the re-entry outcomes themselves lacked predictive ability. Nevertheless, findings from Study 4 suggest the re-entry process is an area worthy of further investigation. Taken together, the findings from this thesis highlight the importance of considering alternative treatment outcomes in addition to whether or not a programme leads to a reduction in long-term recidivism outcomes. Answering the question of how treatment works requires an exploration into possible mechanisms of change. This thesis was only a preliminary investigation into such mechanisms; however, the findings have both practical and theoretical implications for the way we conceptualise how treatment programmes work. Developing a greater understanding of mechanisms of change in offender rehabilitation has the potential to lead to the design and delivery of more effective programmes Details: Wellington, NZ: Victoria University of Wellington, 2015. 229p. Source: Internet Resource: Dissertation: Accessed May 17, 2018 at: http://researcharchive.vuw.ac.nz/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10063/4300/thesis.pdf?sequence=2 Year: 2015 Country: New Zealand URL: http://researcharchive.vuw.ac.nz/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10063/4300/thesis.pdf?sequence=2 Shelf Number: 150253 Keywords: Offender ReentryOffender RehabilitationOffender TreatmentTreatment Programs |
Author: Rope, Olivia Title: Global Prison Trends 2018: a global view on the state of prisons Summary: Every year, Global Prison Trends by Penal Reform International (in collaboration with the Thailand Institute of Justice) provides us with a global view on the state of prisons. And, every year, this report is, unfortunately, hardly a surprise - we read about the degrading conditions in which people are imprisoned, and about their growing number. Yet the level of crime in most societies is constantly decreasing. The question that remains unanswered, therefore, is why our societies focus their response to unlawful behaviours so often on prison? Where is the proportionality in sentencing when we punish nonviolent offences with lengthy prison sentences? Is this the only response we can offer? The chapter on drugs and imprisonment in this report highlights that a high number of prisons in the world are overcrowded due to the incarceration of people for drug-related offences, in particular non-violent offences involving use and possession for personal use. This directly reflects our contemporary addiction to punishment and showcases the disproportionality of punishment in relation to the offence. The use of harsh prison sentences for people who use drugs or for those who play a minor role in the drug trade also shows the inefficiency, limitations and perverse effects of current drug control policies. Not only are punishment and incarceration becoming the sole instruments used to enforce the law, but also they are serving to implement moral norms which have no link with the reality of the offence that they are supposed to punish. This trend of over-incarceration and punishment of people who use drugs is seen on every continent. The deep impact it has on prison systems and on people in prison and their communities has sparked the current global debate on drug policy reform. In recent years, more and more countries have been introducing amendments to their drug laws; for example, by decriminalising the use of drugs in Norway and Colombia, and by replacing prison terms with monetary fines in Ghana and Tunisia or with community service, as envisaged in Senegal. Other countries have gone even further. Ecuador gave an amnesty to drug couriers and released thousands of prisoners. Countries that have traditionally adopted harsh stances on drugs, such as Malaysia and Iran, are reviewing their death penalty policies for drug offences, and removing people from death row. These changes and reforms are being discussed and implemented in a global environment that remains highly stigmatising, where drugs are still considered 'evil' and prohibition approaches prevail. They are therefore born out of a real need - the need for societies to stop exposing their citizens to greater risks from arrests related to drug use than come from the act of using drugs Details: London: Penal Reform International; Bangkok: Thailand Institute of Justice, 2018. 60p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2018 at: https://www.penalreform.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PRI_Global-Prison-Trends-2018_EN_WEB.pdf Year: 2018 Country: International URL: https://www.penalreform.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/PRI_Global-Prison-Trends-2018_EN_WEB.pdf Shelf Number: 150332 Keywords: Drug OffendersDrugs and CrimeOffender ReentryOffender RehabilitationPrisonPrison PopulationPrisoners |
Author: McNeeley, Susan M. Title: The Effect of Neighborhood Context on Recidivism: Differences Based on Gender, Race, and Post-Release Housing Type Summary: Several studies show that recidivism is influenced by the context of neighborhoods in which offenders live after leaving prison. However, the research on this topic is mixed, with many studies finding inconsistent or null neighborhood effects. This study attempts to address this inconsistency by examining whether neighborhoods affect recidivism differently based upon offenders' housing situation or personal characteristics (i.e., gender, race). The results of the multilevel logistic regression analyses show that neighborhood characteristics were significantly related to rearrest among minority offenders but not White offenders, and among offenders living in private residential housing but not those living in community-based facilities. These results help to explain the mixed findings in the literature and highlight the complexity of the relationship between neighborhood context and recidivism. Details: St. Paul, MN: Department of Corrections, 2017. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 17, 2018 at: https://mn.gov/doc/assets/EffectOfNeighborhoodContextOnRecidivism-FullReport_tcm1089-299794.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United States URL: https://mn.gov/doc/assets/EffectOfNeighborhoodContextOnRecidivism-FullReport_tcm1089-299794.pdf Shelf Number: 153871 Keywords: Neighborhood CharacteristicsOffender ReentryPost-Release HousingRecidivism |