NCJ Number
108873
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The California M-2 (Match-Two) Sponsors Program, which matches citizen volunteers with inmates throughout male and female correctional facilities, has significantly increased parole success among male inmates.
Abstract
Findings are based on a sample of 409 inmates who applied for M-2 matches and were found eligible during fiscal year 1983-84 and fiscal year 1984-85. The sample is representative of the entire M-2 program statewide in both male and female adult institutions. The effects of M-2 visitation on parole success were assessed by comparing parole outcomes for inmates with different numbers of visits. At 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month followup periods, male inmates who received M-2 visits had higher probabilities of parole success than those with no visits. For males, decreasing participation was directly related to the most serious parole failures as well as the less serious transgressions. Levels of parole success, although already high with females, did not increase with more M-2 visits. A cost analysis indicates that the M-2 Sponsors program provided a significant savings by reducing the number of parolees returned to prison. Recommendations for program improvement are offered. 2 figures and 2 tables.