Opinion on Prisoner Reentry: Policy Support and Personal Acceptance

• In Event: Views on Punitive, Rehabilitative, and Reentry Policies

Abstract

Released prisoners face a number of obstacles when they return to society, and their release poses unique problems for them, their families, and their communities. Providing employment opportunities and housing options to recently released offenders can greatly reduce recidivism and assist in their reintegration in society. Still, it is not enough to offer supportive programming. For reintegration to be successful, members of the public must be willing to work and live alongside these former prisoners. Prior research has established the public recognizes obstacles former prisoners face upon release from prison and they support various offender reentry services. It is unclear, however, the extent to which the public is willing to participate in such reintegration efforts. The present study examines public opinion at two levels—policy and personal—and discusses the implications of public views for reentry planning.

Authors

• Heather M. Ouellette, University of South Carolina

• Brandon Applegate, University of South Carolina