Roundtable: Collaborating Across Communities-Academics-Lived Experienced to Study Reentry

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Sessions

Abstract/Description

In this roundtable, we will discuss a participatory action research project that examines reentry in New Jersey. Specifically, the project aims to investigate the experiences of individuals who return to halfway houses and are completing their college degrees. This research involves a partnership between community members, formerly justice-involved individuals, and academic researchers. In this roundtable, we will discuss the collaboration and the methods rather than focus on the findings. The roundtable will discuss how the partnership was developed, how we attempted to co-lead all parts of the research, and how we co-learn from each other. We discuss the benefits of the participatory nature of the projects as well as some of the challenges of doing this under both the carceral and academic systems. We will also share how we use the findings to inform policy reforms and practical changes.

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Chair

• Ebony Ruhland, Rutgers University-Newark

Co-Authors

• Robert Zeilger, Rutgers University-Newark

• Joel Negron, Rutgers University-Newark

• Nicole McKenna, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Susan Nembhard, Urban Institute, Justice and Safety Division

• Morgan McMains-Nurisio, Rutgers University