The Effects of Halfway House Characteristics on Recidivism and Revocation: A Multilevel Study

• In Event: Rehabilitation, Reentry Challenges, and Community-Based Programs

Abstract

A halfway house is a community-based correctional program that helps released prisoners reenter the community through addressing criminogenic needs and provide resources to sustain a prosocial life. Participants of the program often stay at the facility for some time until their discharge, getting treatments they need. Considering the mixed findings of a halfway house in reducing recidivism risk compared to other methods, it is imperative to understand whether halfway house characteristics have influences on the risk of recidivism. With the data of adult offenders admitted to Ohio halfway houses in 2017, this study examines two research questions. First, when holding individual characteristics constant, do halfway house characteristics significantly affect participants’ readmission to prison for committing a new crime in the community and being revoked? Second, do significant factors differ from readmission to prison for a new crime and revocation? Using multilevel models, this study identifies integral halfway house characteristics for understanding recidivism and revocation of program participants. Implications for halfway houses to create a crime-deterring environment are discussed.

Authors

• Sinui Park, University of Cincinnati

• John Wooldredge, University of Cincinnati