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Abstract

This research brief presents highlights from Returning Home - Texas, a longitudinal study of the challenges and successes of those leaving prison and returning to Houston area communities. Based on interviews with 352 men and women both before and up to a year after their release, this brief examines the role of in-prison and post-prison programs in the reentry process. Findings indicate that those who participate in job training, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment while incarcerated have better reentry outcomes and are less likely to return to prison. In addition, those on post-release supervision have greater access to community-based treatment.

Introduction

This research brief presents highlights from a study of prisoner reentry in Texas. Its purpose is to inform state-level decisionmakers about how to allocate scarce correctional resources to yield the best outcomes for people released from prison and state jail and to increase the safety of the communities to which they return. Our findings indicate that those who participate in job training, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment while incarcerated have better reentry outcomes and are less likely to return to prison. However, large shares of prisoners—particularly those housed in state jails—do not have access to these programs and services.

Overview of Prisoners Returning to Houston

In 2004, over 14,000 prisoners were released to Houston area communities, with roughly half (49 percent) exiting from state prison and the remainder (51 percent) from state jail. The characteristics of these two groups differ in several important ways. State prisoners serve much longer sentences and are more likely to be male and to be incarcerated for violent offenses. State jail confinees are more likely to be drug offenders, have fewer prior incarcerations on average, and are older at the time of first arrest.

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Disclaimer: The nonpartisan Urban Institute publishes studies, reports, and books on timely topics worthy of public consideration. The views expressed are those of the authors and should not be attributed to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders.