What Actually Happens During a Correctional Home Visit and Do They Work?

• In Event: Working Out the Details: Reentry Court, Transitional Funds and Home Visits

Abstract

The literature on correctional home visits has examined the importance of these visits, the role conflict of personnel conducting the home visits, and logistical problems associated with the visits, but not actually what occurs during the correctional home visits and if they are effective. This study attempts to answer the questions of what happens during the correctional home visits and if the visits impact offender fidelity to, and completion of, the program. This study examined over 1,600 home visits in Golden County, California from 2012 to 2014. Preliminary data shows the overwhelming majority of home visits were service-based in nature with little correctional or enforcement behavior. Preliminary analysis of the visits demonstrates a mixed relationship between the visits and program fidelity and completion. Research findings have policy implications for the tenor and frequency of the home visits in relation to program fidelity and completion.

Authors

• Ryan Patten, California State University, Chico

• Jonathan W. Caudill, California State University, Chico

• Matthew O. Thomas, California State University, Chico

• Sarah Messer, California State University, Chico