Collaboration for Successful Prisoners Reentry: The Role of Parole and the Courts

• NCJ Number: 189673
• Journal: Corrections Management Quarterly Volume: 5 Issue: 3 Dated: Summer 2001 Pages: 11-22
• Author(s): Peggy B. Burke
• Editor(s): Stephanie Neuben
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the revitalization and provision of adequate resources to paroling authorities and parole supervision agencies for successful offender reentry management.

Abstract

In the United States, there was a period during which a system of sentencing and corrections had shifted dramatically to a retributive focus. It was a system that relied primarily on the use of incarceration for longer periods of time. Those sentenced under the retributive theme are now completing their periods of incarceration awaiting reentry back to society. This study examined how reentry initiatives need to create new structures replacing those lost during the retributive model. The study focused on significant innovations made by paroling authorities in managing reentry. It was stated that the most promising strategy in assuring successful reentry initiatives was the collaboration across an entire umbrella of criminal justice policy makers and practitioners, including paroling authorities and courts. The reasons for a successful approach to reentry provided a clear goal for sentencing and corrections. First, the size and urgency of the problem were strong. Second, reentry was gaining more visibility with both corrections and the public. Third, the interests of community, victim, and the criminal justice system seemed to converge, and lastly, the term reentry provided a tone to encourage consensus and collaboration. One initiative discussed in response to the reentry crisis was the development of "reentry courts" modeled after drug courts. In addition, paroling authorities were refining their approach to reentry management through their release and violation policy and practices. In doing so, they needed to reach out and collaborate with their partners, the courts, the community supervision agencies, and others providing them the ability to move forward. The key to managing the reentry challenge was seen as collaboration. References