The Big Picture

With a focus on reentry after prison, we formulated an evidence-supported action plan to enhance transitions from prison to society. This plan aims to increase independence, reduce racial and ethnic disparities, and achieve public safety. Reentry from prison is a significant component of racial justice efforts, as barriers like limited education, vocational training, and societal stigmas make reintegration extremely challenging, particularly for Black and Brown communities.
What We Did

We developed a framework for reimagining prisoner reintegration that includes addressing stigma, enhancing pre-release services, improving employment prospects, and reforming parole supervision. Our plan outlines short-term, medium-term, and long-term recommendations that involve existing administrative authorities, new legislation, and fundamental shifts in policy.

1

High Volume of Individuals Returning to Communities

Annually, over 640,000 individuals are released from prison and return to their communities, where they encounter significant reintegration barriers.

2

Major Barriers to Reintegration

Key challenges faced by returning individuals include legal restrictions, societal stigmas, and limited institutional support. These barriers can impede access to essential resources such as housing, employment, and healthcare.

3

Racial Disparities in Incarceration and Reentry Outcomes

Racial disparities in incarceration rates are stark, with Black Americans experiencing disproportionately high imprisonment rates. These disparities extend to reentry outcomes, where Black individuals often face more severe challenges in reintegrating into society.

4

Impact of Effective Reentry Support

Evidence indicates that effective reentry support significantly improves reintegration outcomes. Key elements of successful reentry support include access to healthcare, stable housing, mentorship, and collaboration across public and private sectors.

5

Importance of Cross-Sector Collaboration

Collaboration between public and private sectors plays a crucial role in enhancing reintegration efforts. Coordinated support across different areas, such as employment, education, and community services, is essential for addressing the complex needs of returning individuals.

This matters because the current reentry process contributes to the cycle of incarceration, particularly for marginalized communities. More than half of formerly incarcerated individuals struggle to find stable employment within the first year of release, and three-quarters are rearrested within three years. Addressing reentry barriers is crucial for reducing racial disparities, enhancing public safety, and supporting the broader goals of racial justice.

Our recommendations include:

1

Short-term:Utilize existing funding and adjust administrative rules to remove barriers in housing, education, employment, health, and political rights.

2

Medium-term:Develop new legislation and funding appropriations to support comprehensive reentry services.

3

Long-term:Implement fundamental policy changes to prioritize human rights, harm reduction, and the social and economic reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals.

About the Study

This study synthesizes existing research and policy analysis on prisoner reentry, highlighting successful programs and identifying gaps in current approaches. The recommendations build on recent legislative efforts like the First Step Act and the expansion of Federal Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, aiming to further dismantle barriers and support a more inclusive and equitable reentry process. The full APA citation is: Henderson, H. M., Camara, A. F., Schwartz, J. C., & Colbert, C. (2021). Panel I discussion: The criminal justice system: “George Floyd Bill” & qualified immunity. The Bridge: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Legal & Social Policy, 6(1), Article 2. Available at https://digitalscholarship.tsu.edu/thebridge/vol6/iss1/2