Applying Problem Solving Approaches to Issues of Inmate Re-Entry: The Indianapolis Pilot Project. Summary Report

摘要

From 1990 to 2000 the number of former prisoners released annually from U.S. prisons has increased from approximately 400,000 to 600,000. Research has found that approximately two-thirds will re-offend within three years of release. This high rate of offending poses public safety problems for communities and neighborhoods as well as a loss in human capital for these former inmates and their families. Marion County (Indianapolis) is not immune to these trends. As the state of Indianas largest urban center it experiences the largest number of former inmates returning to the community. Indeed, approximately 2,400 male and 300 female inmates return to the county each year. The Indianapolis Violence Reduction Partnership (IVRP) decided to employ a problem solving approach to the issue of inmate re-entry. The project began with an analysis of the re-entry population. The analysis included a profile of prison releases during 2000, a survival analysis of a sample of inmates, and interviews and focus groups with recently released inmates and service providers experienced in working with former inmates. The problem analysis indicated that 40 percent of former inmates were arrested within one year of release. Younger inmates and those with more extensive criminal histories were at higher risk for re-offending as were African-American inmates. Both former inmates and service providers described a common set of barriers to successful re-entry including housing, substance abuse, negative peer influences, and anxiety of not making it.