Concentrated Disadvantage within Prisoner Reentry Initiatives: How Correctional Policy and Reentry Initiatives are Influenced by and Contribute to Concentrated Disadvantage

• In Event: Community Context and Prisoner Reentry

Abstract

This presentation will discuss how correctional policy and reentry initiatives are influenced by and contribute to concentrated disadvantage among returning persons, potentially contributing to higher recidivism. This paper starts by providing a brief history of the State of Delaware's prisoner reentry initiative (I-ADAPT), context, and results. Then, drawing from ethnographic observations, initiative staff interviews, client surveys, and recidivism data, this presentation will review how the state's reentry initiative effects the state's most disadvantaged returning persons who receive fewer transitional services due to policy, implementation barriers, and concentrated disadvantage. Although reentry initiatives like I-ADAPT have potential for helping those who suffer from concentrated disadvantage as they return to the community from prison, they also can contribute to concentrated disadvantage. In conclusion, we discuss policy implications of these findings and recommendations for reducing disadvantage and recidivism through reentry initiatives.

Authors

• Tanya Whittle, University of Delaware

• Christy Visher, University of Delaware

• Daniel O'Connell, University of Delaware