Innovation Strategies to Enhance Successful Re-entry: Examination of the Use of Canines in Prison Therapy

• In Event: Examination of Recidivism: New Approaches to an Old Problem

Abstract

A consequence of the mass incarceration experience of the past forty years has been the release of more than 700,000 offenders annually. For many offenders, successful reintegration to the community can prove difficult as evidenced by the approximately 68% of offenders re-arrested for new crimes within three years of release; 77% within 5 years and 34% of prison and jail re-admissions resulting from parole violations. The sheer volume of offenders being "churned” in and out of the criminal justice system has resulted in a recent push toward innovative policy strategies by many states to reduce prison populations through investment in evidence based practices both within the institutional and community setting. The current study discusses the implementation of an innovative treatment strategy being implemented in prison and jail settings. Specifically, the use of canines in treatment programs for mentally ill offenders and interactive programs for eligible offenders to train shelter dogs to prepare for adoption. We will discuss the theoretical groundings of this program, as well as the implications for reducing institutional misconduct and enhancing the likelihood of successful reintegration.

Authors

• Michele Pich, Rowan University

• Kimberly Houser, Rowan University