A Case Study on Best Practices and Reality in Female Offender Reentry Programs

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Friends of Guest House is a transitional program for women re-entry the community from jail or prison. The program consists of a 24/7 approach in which the individual needs of each woman are comprehensively addressed via case management. While 70% of ex-offenders who receive no re-entry support re-offend within two years, Friends of Guest House has seen only 10% of the 150 women (annually) recidivate. This panel explores Friends of Guest House from three separate perspectives in order to determine what factors create this difference: First, a comparison is made between best practices as presented in scholarly literature and the practices currently in place with the program. Second, an offender perspective based upon quantitative and qualitative surveys and interviews of clients. Almost universally, the women reported that their experience at Guest House was critical to their ability successfully transition in society; however, there are also areas in which improvement can be made. Third, a practical perspective that addresses the realities of operating the program. Despite the strong statistical support for re-entry programs, there are still difficulties. Many are forced to make changes and cuts to programming due to financial limitations.

Sub Unit

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

Individual Presentations

• Best Practices for Female Reentry Programs: A Case Study of Friends of Guest House - Jessica Nicole Rodgers, Friends of Guest House; Samantha Senn, American University

• The Re-Entering Woman’s Perspective: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis - Faith Ruderfer, Friends of Guest House; Kathy Prudden, George Mason University

• The Realities of Non-Profit Reentry Services - Kari Galloway, Friends of Guest House

Chair

• Samantha Senn, American University