Healing Trauma, Reducing Recidivism: The Role of Continuous Care in Successful Reentry for Young Adults

• In Event: Evaluating Reentry and Desistance Programs

Abstract

Young adults incarcerated for violent crimes are more likely to have a history of childhood violence (e.g., experience of domestic violence, gun violence, community violence). The contribution of the resulting trauma (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, antisocial behavior) to juvenile violent offending and recidivism has been studied at great length; however, less is known about the impact of reentry programs designed to address root causes. We report outcomes of a study of the Roca reentry program – a trauma-informed intervention based in cognitive-behavioral theory using best practices from social work and juvenile justice. The study compared participants who received continuous care (pre-release through post-release) versus those who began the program in the community (post-release only). Of 267 young adults with a history of violence, those who engaged in continuous care had more days of unsubsidized employment, a higher rate of sustained employment, and a lower rate of reincarceration within the first year of release. Findings also suggest that Roca’s “relentless outreach” to young adults in crisis may be a best practice when engaging that population.

Authors

• Shelby Hickman, Abt Global

• Kalani Johnson, Abt Global

• Claudia Masters, Abt Global