Evaluating Which Dimensions of Risk Predict Success in Texas Reentry Courts

• In Event: Understanding Recidivism through Reentry Programs and Risk Metrics

Abstract

Criminal justice practice and research commonly rely on risk assessments. Texas reentry courts are no different. They collect risk assessment data and can use it to make case management plans. However, there is a lack of prior studies examining predictors of success in reentry courts and a lack of examination of how risk score may, or may not, be related to graduation. The present study contributes to our understanding of predictors of success in reentry courts across Texas with particular attention to risk assessment scores. Results indicate that those with a higher total risk score are less likely to graduate which aligns with conventional knowledge on risk and programmatic success in other justice programs. Examining the nine different risk assessment sub-scales that measure different dimensions of risk (e.g., education and employment, family and social support) indicate that only the criminal history sub-scale is positively related to graduation, all others were not significantly related. Findings indicate that efforts to reduce collateral consequences of prior convictions may be effective in Texas reentry courts and that courts may be mitigating negative side effects of having a higher risk score on other dimensions of risk such that they are non-significant.

Author

• Elizabeth Hartsell, Sam Houston State University