NCJ Number
243335
Date Published
September 2012
Length
143 pages
Annotation
Findings and methodology are presented for an evaluation of process and systems changes at six pilot sites selected to implement the Transition From Jail to Community (TJC) initiative of the National Institute of Corrections and the Urban Institute, which is designed to improve the reentry of released jail inmates through systems-level change in collaboration between jails and community-based service organizations.
Abstract
Based on the implementation experience described in this report, the TJC model is a viable and effective approach for improving the effectiveness of the transition into the community of moderate- and high-risk offenders. The evaluation determined that the experiences of the six TJC learning sites show that the model is both viable and flexible. The variation in the six sites' TJC strategies underscores these findings. Although each strategy incorporates the elements of the TLC model, the sites' approach and application differed. Although the target populations identified for receipt of transition services and programming generally consisted of medium- and high-risk offenders with jail sentences of 30 days or longer, the range and nature of interventions differed by site. Sites also focused on implementing cognitive-behavioral programming as the foundation of their intensive interventions; however, the range and nature of intervention differed among the sites. Examples of these differences are provided. All sites developed or strengthened mechanisms to transfer the target population to community service organizations in addressing their criminogenic needs in the community. A participatory action research framework guided the cross-site implementation and systems change evaluations. Evaluation activities supported measurement of systems change and generated relevant and timely information for the sites that would inform planning and implementation, as well as promote monitoring and sustainability. 21 figures and 6 tables