Program Influences on Prison Returns Among Residents of Community-Based Corrections Facilities

• In Event: Impacting Criminal Justice Outcomes: A Review of New Research on Supportive Practices

Abstract

The effectiveness of Halfway Houses (HWHs) and Community-based Correctional Facilities (CBCFs) for reducing recidivism may be largely influenced by their adherence to evidence-based practices. As such, it is important to assess program level factors that may impact the effectiveness of these programs. This paper is part of a larger evaluation study conducted by the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute (UCCI). Facility survey data and facility audit data were compiled for all 55 HWHs and CBCFs currently in operation in Ohio. Data highlight facility-level characteristics reflecting infrastructure, programming, staff, and residential populations. We examined differences in program operations and resources that are empirically related to prison return rates across these populations. For HWHs, higher return-to-prison rates were associated with a higher number of inclusionary criteria for admission, weaker order among residents (e.g., the frequency and seriousness of rule violations), and smaller ratios of treatment staff to residents. For CBCFs, return-to-prison rates were higher for facilities with typically smaller ratios of treatment staff to residents, less frequent use of RNR assessments, and programs targeting fewer needs. Overall, the results of this paper demonstrate important differences in factors influencing the effectiveness of HWHs and CBCFs in Ohio.

Authors

• Andrew Krebs, University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute

• John Wooldredge, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher D'Amato, University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute

• Natasha Khade, University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute