Reducing Recidivism Through Work Release: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Illinois’ Adult Transition Centers

• In Event: Labor, Learning, and Liberation: Programming, Education, and Work in Carceral Contexts

Abstract

Formerly incarcerated individuals often face significant barriers to reentering the workforce, such as limited education and employer stigma. However, research has shown gaining employment after release can lower recidivism rates. Prison work release programs, like Illinois’ Adult Transition Centers (ATCs), offer a promising way to improve job opportunities and reduce reoffending. This study examined the impact of ATC participation on recidivism outcomes.

A quasi-experimental design was employed by using propensity score matching to create a robust comparison group of non-ATC participants with similar characteristics. Our sample consisted of individuals released in 2016 or 2017, with rearrest and reincarceration tracked through 2021. Survival analysis was used to assess time-to-event outcomes, capturing not only if recidivism occurred but also when. Our results indicate that ATC participation was associated with a 15.5% lower probability of rearrest and a 36.9% lower probability of reincarceration, with ATC participants experiencing significantly longer intervals until their first post-release rearrest and reincarceration.

The policy contributions of this study are substantial, suggesting that work release programs can be an effective strategy for reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry. These findings provide compelling evidence for policymakers to consider expanding similar initiatives as part of broader criminal justice reform efforts.

Authors

• Jing Wang, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

• Jessica Reichert, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority

• Ryan Maranville, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority