Religion, Reentry and the Moderating Role of Risk

• In Event: Risk-Needs-Responsivity Concerns in Community Corrections

Abstract

The risk principle is widely adopted in systems and agencies wishing to take an evidence-based approach to correctional interventions. A number of reasons have been identified to explain why correctional programs may be less beneficial for lower risk individuals especially, believing that treatment may be most beneficial for individuals with the highest risk of reoffending. The current study seeks to establish whether this is true regarding the role of religion and religious assistance in helping ex-offenders successfully reintegrate. While empirical evidence is inconclusive as to the role of religion for reentry success, we suggest the need to incorporate risk for reoffending. Results suggest that religious assistance does have a strong and robust effect on likelihood of ex-offenders desisting from substance use; however, these prosocial effects diminish as risk for reoffending increases. Implications for religious programming and services are discussed.

Authors

• Richard Stansfield, Rutgers University

• Thomas Mowen, University of Wyoming