This report is based on surveys completed by 676 men and women shortly before their release from Texas prisons and state jails and their return to the Houston area. We describe respondents' criminal, substance abuse, and employment histories; current health problems; in-prison programming experiences; relationships with family members; and expectations for release. Differences between respondents based on gender and type of confinement (i.e., prison or state jail) are also highlighted. Overall, these findings describe a population with extensive histories of substance use and criminal behavior, yet strong family ties and great optimism for what life will be like on the outside.