What Matters to Formerly Incarcerated Men? Looking Beyond Recidivism as a Measure of Program Success

• In Event: Gender and Experiences of Incarceration and Reentry

Abstract

Reentry programs have been implemented in correctional facilities throughout the United States to address one of the results of mass incarceration—mass reentry. Indeed, “at least 95 percent of all state prisoners will be released from prison at some point” (Hughes & Wilson, 2004). The purpose of the reentry programs is to successfully reintegrate individuals from prison back into society while avoiding recidivism. Most of the research analyzing the usefulness of reentry programs relies only on the measure of recidivism, and few studies have empirically examined men’s perceptions of what they need in terms of services—what they find helpful or useful. The purpose of this study is to identify what success means to previously incarcerated men who partook in a prison reentry program that included therapy, resource-knowledge, and education. Data were collected through qualitative in-depth interviews with previously incarcerated men who completed a 12-week curriculum designed to help participants with competency and resources that will prevent them from recidivating. Our analysis focused on how the program impacted the men, their post-release experience, and their goals. Findings challenge narrow conceptualization of “success” for men who are released from prison after participating in a reentry program.

Authors

• Hunter Boehme, University of South Carolina

• Sarah King, University of South Carolina

• Tia Stevens Andersen, University of South Carolina

• Deena Isom Scott, University of South Carolina