Examining the Effects of Reporting Centers on Recidivism: A Meta-Analysis

• NCJ Number: 306498
• Journal: Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 58 Issue: 3 Dated: 2019 Pages: 240-260
• Author(s): Jennifer S. Wong; Jessica Bouchard; Chelsey Lee; Kelsey Gushue
• Date Published: 2019
• Length: 21 pages

Annotation

The authors of this study performed a meta-analysis to examine the effects of day reporting centers on the criminal recidivism of adult offenders.

Abstract

Day reporting centers (DRCs) are a community-based correctional option that provide punishment and control while simultaneously assisting with rehabilitation and reintegration. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of DRCs on the criminal recidivism of adult offenders. The current study meta-analyzed nine studies contributing 21 effect sizes (12 of which were independent). The findings show that, overall, DRCs do not differ from traditional supervision options in terms of recidivism outcomes. Additional analyses suggest that the magnitude of the treatment impact varies depending on the type of recidivism outcome measured, with studies limited to conviction showing a positive and significant reduction for DRCs. Further, front-end DRCs were related to stronger treatment impact than back-end DRCs. Inconsistent reporting of important variables concerning program characteristics and participant characteristics limited our ability to make recommendations for best practices. Publisher Abstract Provided.