Welcome Home? Building Towards the Establishment of Successful Reentry Communities

Abstract

Approximately 650,000 individuals in the United States are released from the criminal justice system per year. Research demonstrates 67% of these individuals will be re-arrested within 3 years, and 75% will be re-arrested within 5 years (Durose, Cooper and Snyder, 2014). 95% of incarcerated individuals will be released at some point back to their communities. To mitigate perpetual incarceration and recidivism, reentry programs serve to ensure individuals are receiving the necessary services to positively contribute to society while having specific needs met. Reentry programs address issues that formerly incarcerated individuals face upon release such as housing, employment, broad social services, and changing of criminogenic behavior and thinking. This research investigates practices of reentry programs in Oregon, specifically Lane and Multnomah counties, and their relation to the greater community. Challenges and opportunities of reentry programs are also investigated. Finally, recommendations are presented that are catered towards community members, stakeholders, and policy makers to more positively address issues of reentry.