Findings from a Process Evaluation of the Prison Research and Innovation Initiative

• In Event: National Findings from the Prison Research and Innovation Initiative

Abstract

The Prison Research and Innovation Initiative is the first national project to coordinate and support participatory research in multiple prisons via partnerships across local research organizations and state departments of corrections. The Urban Institute has undertaken a multi-year process evaluation aimed at exploring the conception and implementation of various participatory research projects across the five states (Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Missouri, and Vermont). This paper presents findings from over 100 qualitative interviews with incarcerated people, corrections staff and leaders, and on-the-ground research partners, including reflections on community engaged methods used, data-driven innovations and changes, successes, challenges, and lessons learned for future participatory research projects in prison environments. The results from this process evaluation can be used to understand a participatory approach to research in prisons while also identifying strategies that can yield more credible findings and recommendations.

Authors

• Sam Tecotzky, Urban Institute

• Alice Galley, Urban Institute