Adult Correctional Treatment

From Prison to Home: The Dimensions and Consequences of Prisoner Reentry

“…While current studies cite only modest reductions in recidivism rates for participants, these small reductions can have significant aggregate impacts on criminal behavior in communities with high concentrations of returning prisoners. 72 In addition to individual rehabilitative benefits, programming also may be beneficial to the internal management of correctional institutions. 73 Idle prisoners are more likely to cause trouble than other prisoners.…”

“…118 In-prison drug treatment has also been associated with significantly reduced use of injection drugs, reduced income from crime, fewer prison returns, and fewer hospital stays for drug and alcohol problems. 119 However, the most successful outcomes were found among those who participated in both in-prison treatment and community treatment during the period of post-release supervision. 120 There are also indications that the longer the treatment interventionat least 90 days-the more successful it will be in reducing relapse.…”

“…120 There are also indications that the longer the treatment interventionat least 90 days-the more successful it will be in reducing relapse. 121 (Research also shows that the presence of criminal justice supervision increases the likelihood that an individual will stay in treatment beyond the 90-day mark. )…”

“…One study of inprison treatment combined with aftercare found a 28 percent reduction in criminal recidivism and a 62 percent reduction in drug use. 127 In a world of limited resources, attention should be paid to when treatment is made available during the period of incarceration. Participation in a treatment program may be most effective for prisoners who are nearing the end of their term and preparing to be released back into society.…”

“…These diverse programs all aim to improve prisoners' behavior while in incarcerated, by facilitating the maturation and conscientiousness of the inmate, and to reduce recidivism, by improving employment prospects and by providing a broader frame of reference within which to make important decisions. 177 Despite their longevity and prominence within the correctional system, rigorous evaluative research on the effectiveness of prison educational programs has been lacking. However, the available research does indicate that certain carefully designed and administered prison education programs can improve inmate behavior and reduce recidivism.…”