Understanding the Criminal Reentry Process and Recidivism through Experiential Learning

• In Event: Roundtable: Critical Perspectives on Teaching

Abstract

We describe a Reentry Simulation training that challenges participants to think about what it is like for people upon release from prison. The Reentry Simulation replicates the transition to self-sufficiency and the barriers that may contribute to the feelings of powerlessness and diminished self-efficacy by former offenders. The authors had one group of students from an HBCU volunteer to role-play as different service providers and a second group participate by taking on the role of people released from prison. Fifty three participants embraced the role of a former offender, were given a “life card” detailing their prior record and weekly tasks, and were given four 15-minute sessions (each session representing a week), to accomplish goals such as obtaining an ID or paying rent. Student participants faced the same obstacles former offenders do as they try to complete their post-sentence commitments, as well as maintain their day-to-day life, and most were sent back to prison during the simulation due to infractions and parole violations. We evaluate and assess survey data and thirty two students’ reflection papers submitted following the event. The simulation results highlight the relationship between service provider empathy and offender resiliency in the reentry process, especially for reducing recidivism.

Authors

• Kylie Parrotta, California Polytechnic State University

• Kimberlynn Reeves, U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Delaware