Findings from the Cross-Site Evaluation of the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2011 Second Chance Act Adult Offender Reentry Demonstration Programs

• In Event: Examining the Effect of Reentry Programming on Returning Individuals: Reentry Research and the Second Chance Act

Abstract

With support from NIJ and in collaboration with BJA, RTI International and the Urban Institute are conducting an evaluation of seven BJA FY 2011 Second Chance Act (SCA) Adult Offender Reentry Demonstration Projects. The evaluation aims to assess the implementation, effects, and cost-effectiveness of these programs. This presentation describes findings from the process and outcome evaluations. Data from the study’s process evaluation describe factors that facilitated or inhibited program implementation and sustainability. Data from in-person interviews conducted with over 500 adult male and female inmates approximately one month prior to release from jails and prisons provide information on sample characteristics, pre-incarceration experiences, family contact during incarceration, service receipt during incarceration, health status and service needs, and attitudes and expectations for reentry. The authors will present outcome findings from six and 12-month follow-up interviews and recidivism findings from administrative records.

Authors

• Christine Lindquist, RTI International

• Pamela Lattimore, RTI International

• Janeen Buck Willison, Urban Institute

• Shelli Rossman, Urban Institute