Reentry in the Digital Age: Perceptions of Tablet-based Reentry and Education Services for Incarcerated Individuals

• In Event: Innovations in Reentry: Findings from an Evaluation of the Role of Technology in Reentry Planning

Abstract

Many correctional agencies have engaged in large-scale rollouts of tablets in prisons and jails, with further expansion of this technology likely in other jurisdictions. Tablets typically include features such as entertainment, communication, and educational or skill building content, with variation in the cost structure and emphasis on programming/rehabilitative content vs. other features. Despite the rapid expansion, little empirical work has documented clients’ perceptions of tablets and their features, particularly the educational or programming content and factors that may encourage use of the tablets for rehabilitative purposes. The perspectives of correctional staff are also largely undocumented. In this presentation, we summarize stakeholder perceptions of the utility of the ViaPath tablets, which have been rolled out statewide in NC DAC facilities, with a focus on educational content and other rehabilitative and reentry planning features. The findings are based on semi-structured interviews conducted with approximately 78 tablet account holders and staff across 6 NC DAC correctional facilities. Findings will highlight similarities and differences by stakeholder role, including currently incarcerated people, facility-based case managers and programming staff, and correctional officers. We will also discuss lessons learned from this tool’s statewide deployment and considerations for effectively implementing this reentry-based technology.

Authors

• Hannah Cortina, RTI International

• Travis Meyers, RTI International