Prisoner Reentry: The Impact of Community Programming on Successful Reintegration

Richmond, Kerry M. (2004) Prisoner Reentry: The Impact of Community Programming on Successful Reintegration . Masters, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Central Connecticut State University.

Abstract

Individuals are being released from prison at an alarming rate, many without the necessary skills and supports to assist them in becoming a self-sufficient and contributing member of society. This study highlights the criminal justice policies that have resulted in this increase, in addition to the many challenges ex-offenders, particularly women, face once they return to the community, such as lack of housing and need for substance abuse treatment. This study involved a qualitative analysis of the perceptions of female clients of the Resettlement Program at Community Partners in Action in Hartford, Connecticut, a program designed to assist female ex-offenders attain self-sufficiency upon release from prison. Interviews were conducted with seven female participants of the Resettlement Program to explore the reentry process from the perspective of an ex-offender, to learn more about their needs upon release from prison, and to find out how the Resettlement Program is helping them in meeting those needs. Based on the results of these interviews, the Resettlement Program appears to be effective in that it allows women to realize that they have the power within themselves to make a change in their lives, while at the same time it provides the necessary resources and support the women need. This study further suggests that female offenders will not be successful in their transition process unless the underlying issues that lead to their criminal behavior are adequately addressed.