NCJ Number
223989
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior: A Review Journal Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: June-July 2008 Pages: 153-168
Date Published
June 2008
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article reviews existing literature on temporary release of persons from incarceration.
Abstract
This article offers a systematic review of the ‘what works’ literature on temporary release, particularly as it concerns home leave and work release programs. The review suggests that both home leave and work release schemes can be effective in reducing recidivism rates, while work release may also enhance post-release employment prospects. Additionally, the article discusses the directions that future evaluative research should take, with special reference to the need for drawing the link between the procedural and outcome dimensions of temporary release. The article is a systemic review of literature covering over 40 years of research and extending across a range of outcome measures, clustered into the following dimensions: recidivism, risk-prone behaviors, attitudinal change, and social adjustment. Systemic reviews employ rigorous methods for locating, assessing and synthesizing evidence from prior evaluation studies, and this review built upon the Maryland Scale of Scientific Methods to identify effective crime prevention programs. The scale ranks methodological quality on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). The small number of studies available provide cause to augment the eligibility criteria with additional factors above the use of the scale. Tables, references