ROADS Research Update: Thoughts on Wave 6 Results and Wave 7 Data Collection

• In Event: Understanding the Enduring Impact of a Criminal Record

Abstract

Data collection is in process for the seventh wave of the ROADS study, a longitudinal mixed-methods study of desistance. The ROADS study has followed a diverse contemporary sample of former drug-involved offenders for just over 30 years after their release from prison in order to examine the mechanisms and processes of their desistance from crime and drug use. This paper does two things. First, it provides an update on the interviews that are being conducted as part of the seventh wave of data collection. Second, this paper shares the results of a mixed-methods analysis of prior waves of this longitudinal study exploring the relationship between desistance and employment, with a focus on measurement considerations and intersectionality. Policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Rachel Novick, University of New Haven

• Audrey Hickert, University of Cincinnati

• Ronet Bachman, University of Delaware