NCJ Number
238463
Date Published
May 2011
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This report from the Minnesota Department of Corrections presents the results of an evaluation of the State's prisoner reentry initiative.
Abstract
Findings from the Minnesota Department of Corrections' evaluation of its prisoner reentry initiative (PRI) include the following: the recidivism rates for PRI participants were slightly lower than those for offenders in the comparison group; PRI recidivists reoffended more quickly than recidivists in the comparison group; PRI did not have a statistically significant effect on any of the four recidivism measures; only 19 percent of PRI participants found employment during the first year after release from prison, compared to 38 percent of the comparison group; and PRI participants had fewer chances of finding post-release employment, worked significantly fewer hours, and had significantly less total earnings. This report presents the results of the final evaluation of Minnesota's Prisoner Reentry Initiative, a pilot project implemented by the State's Department of Corrections in 2008. Data for the evaluation were obtained by comparing the post-release outcome of program participants with a comparison group of offenders who were released in the 14 months preceding implementation of PRI. Information was collected on the extent to which offenders were able to obtain and maintain employment during the first 12 months post-release from prison. The findings from the evaluation indicate that the program is not effective at reducing recidivism and at helping them find and maintain post-prison employment. Reasons for the programs lack of success are discussed. Tables and references