The correctional system in the United States is at a critical crossroads. On one path, correctional leaders and their legislative counterparts have increasingly begun to embrace the concept of preparing prisoners for successful reintegration. On the other path is this bumpy road to economic recovery. The tension between these two paths is great. Considering this tension, can reentry programs be both effective and cost beneficial? In this speech delivered to the Princeton University Policy Research Institute for the Region, JPC Center Director Nancy G. La Vigne examines that question.