Impact Findings from the Evaluation of the Second Chance Act Adult Demonstration Program

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

Abstract

This presentation reports findings form an evaluation of seven grantees awarded funding through the Second Chance Act (SCA). The grantees, comprised of state departments of corrections, and social service and other local government agencies, provided pre-release and post-release services to medium and high-risk adult offenders. Eligible program participants, 966 in total, were randomly assigned to either a treatment group that could receive SCA services or a control group that could receive treatment as usual without enhancements offered through SCA. Data will allow the measurement of service receipt, recidivism, employment and earnings, health status, and housing stability. Findings presented here will highlight impacts measured 18 months after random assignment.

Author

• Ronald D’Amico, Social Policy Research Associates