Building Social Networks of Older Men during Reentry: The Cumberland House Reentry Project (CHRP)

• In Event: Topics in Network Criminology

Abstract

This study is a longitudinal mixed methods social network analysis (MMSNA) of a novel peer-led community-based reentry program aimed at a highly vulnerable population: older men exiting prison after completing long (10+ years) sentences. Older incarcerated individuals released to the community typically lack the family and personal support networks to help rebuild their lives during a critical life course transition and/or have relationships that are stressful and challenging. The Cumberland House Reentry Program departs from traditional community corrections programs by immersing older, previously incarcerated men into a peer-run house designed to build and enhance peer and community social ties (i.e., a network alteration intervention). Our goal is to examine the interpersonal mechanisms underlying this behavioral health program aimed at an aged population undergoing a stressful life course transition. With a MMSNA research design, we collect (1) dynamic sociocentric network data of house residents and staff (i.e., friendship, social support, and leadership), (2) egocentric data on family and community-based ties, and (3) quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interview) data of health, perceptions of interpersonal relationships, and social support. We then analyze if, when, how, and why the program performs as expected.

Authors

• Derek Kreager, Pennsylvania State University

• Gary Zajac, Pennsylvania State University

• Sarah Brothers, Pennsylvania State University

• Kristina Brant, Pennsylvania State University

• Brandy Henry, Pennsylvania State University

• David Schaefer, University of California, Irvine