Do Mentors Help Reduce the Risk of Recidivism? An Analysis of the SVORI Data.

• In Event: Prisoner Reentry Programs: Components and Processes

Abstract

This research project investigates the effectiveness of mentors on rates of re-incarceration for released offenders. The Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) study, which sought to evaluate factors relating to high-risk offenders outcomes post release, with data collected between 2004 and 2007, was used to evaluate mentor’s effectiveness on reducing recidivism. Social bonding theory suggests that potential mentors may help released offenders navigate through the reentry process and utilize reentry services, thus reducing the risk of recidivism. Previous research has examined the use of mentors in context of reentry programs, but little is known on the effectiveness of mentors themselves. Cox regression analysis was utilized to compare the rate of re-incarceration among released offenders with mentors versus those without mentors, and to assess if the rates varied between mentors of different levels of reported effectiveness.

Authors

• Amanda Workman, Brigham Young University

• John P Hoffmann, Brigham Young University