Do Reentry Courts Work? Findings from NIJ’s Multi-State Research on Reentry Courts

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

In response to high post-release failure rates and overwhelming needs of individuals returning from incarceration, many reentry programs designed to facilitate the transition from incarceration to the community have been implemented over the past several decades. Reentry courts combine intensive judicial oversight with rehabilitative services. While the courts arose as part of a broader national movement towards specialized “problem-solving courts,” they have not been studied as extensively as other problem-solving courts. As a result, little is known about the challenges associated with reentry court implementation; even less is known about the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of reentry courts. This panel includes four papers detailing findings from the National Institute of Justice’s Evaluation of Second Chance Act Adult Reentry Courts (NESCAARC). This research included reentry courts in eight states and examines court implementation, policies, and practices (Paper 1); impacts on recidivism (Papers 2 and 3); and cost-benefits (Paper 4). This is the first large-scale study examining the effectiveness of reentry courts. In addition to official records data, over 500 interviews were conducted with formerly incarcerated individuals. Members of the project team will present findings across all components of the study; discussion will be facilitated by NIJ’s Linda Truitt.

Sub Unit

• Area VII: Criminal Justice Policy and Practice / 45: Prisoner Reentry Programs

Individual Presentations

• Multi-Site Reentry Court Process Evaluation - Anna M. Malsch, NPC Research; Christine Lindquist, RTI International; Lama Hassoun Ayoub, Center for Court Innovation; Debbie Dawes, RTI International; Paige M. Harrison, NPC Research; Jennifer Hardison Walters, RTI International; Michael Rempel, Center for Court Innovation; Shannon Carey, NPC Research

• Impact of Reentry Courts on Recidivism - Amanda Cissner, Center for Court Innovation; Lama Hassoun Ayoub, Center for Court Innovation; Ashmini Kerodal, Center for Court Innovation; Charlene Zil, NPC Research; Anna M. Malsch, NPC Research; Christine Lindquist, RTI International; Michael Rempel, Center for Court Innovation; Shannon Carey, NPC Research

• Impact of Reentry Courts on Intermediate Outcomes (Prospective Study) - Lama Hassoun Ayoub, Center for Court Innovation; Charlene Zil, NPC Research; Christine Lindquist, RTI International; Michael Rempel, Center for Court Innovation; Shannon Carey, NPC Research

• Costs and Benefits of Reentry Courts - Shannon Carey, NPC Research; Mark Waller, NPC Research; Adrian Johnson, NPC Research; Charlene Zil, NPC Research; Anna M. Malsch, NPC Research; Michael Rempel, Center for Court Innovation; Christine Lindquist, RTI International