NCJ Number
207535
Date Published
July 2002
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This briefing paper presents an overview of prisoner reentry in the State of New Jersey.
Abstract
New Jersey, along with the rest of the Nation, has experienced an increase in incarceration rates and the absolute number of individuals in correctional institutions. Once released, these offenders face many barriers and challenges to successful community reentry. In order to address these difficulties, a comprehensive approach is needed that unifies public officials, the criminal justice system, community service provides, and the community. The national picture of prisoner reentry is examined; the majority of released offenders in the United States have not participated in educational, vocational, or pre-release programming at the time of their release, mainly due to a decline in programming availability. Currently in New Jersey, far more people are under community supervision orders than are incarcerated in correctional facilities; however, the number of probation officers has not increased to meet these demands, causing large gaps in supervision. Additionally, funding for drug treatment is sorely deficient, despite considerable funding increases during the past 10 years. Overall, while there is a paucity of current information and analysis concerning prisoner reentry in New Jersey, the existing data suggest New Jersey fits with national trends on offender reentry. Notes