NCJ Number
249576
Date Published
October 2015
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This evaluation examined the effects of the Victim Impact: Listen and Learn program in Delaware on the behaviors of the prisoners who participated in the program, both in prison and after release.
Abstract
The central tenet of this program is that offenders are more likely to change their offending behavior when they are confronted with the harms their behavior has inflicted on their victims. The Victim Impact: Listen and Learn program in Delaware exposes offenders to the voices of victims through stories, video, newspaper articles, and role-play. Guest speakers also describe the direct impact that crime has had on their lives and the lives of family members. The evaluation found that prisoners who participated in the program had lower recidivism 3 years after their release than prisoners who did not participate in the program; and program participants who remained in prison had improved behaviors. Of the 333 prisoners who participated in the program prior to their release, 118 (35 percent) reoffended within 3 years of their release and were re-committed to prison within Delaware. Comparable data provided by a 2013 report on prisoner recidivism reported that within 3 years of release, 67 percent of prisoners were re-committed to prison for another offense within 3 years of their release. Those who remained in Delaware prisons after attending the program reduced the frequency of their disciplinary charges by one-third. The evaluation used data from multiple sources, including survey data provided by the program administrator, recidivism data provided by the Delaware Justice Information system, and prison disciplinary data provided by the Delaware Department of Correction. Study limitations are noted, including the lack of information on factors other than the program that may have influenced recidivism and improved behaviors while in prison. 3 tables, 5 figures, and 2 references