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Research review showing home leave and work release can reduce recidivism

By Douglas A. Berman

In light of on-going concern with recidivism rates and interest in effective re-entry programming, this paper newly available via SSRN should be on a reading list for everyone interested in evidence-based sentencing reforms.  The paper is titled "Reconsidering the Effectiveness of Temporary Release: A Systematic Review," and here is the abstract: This article offers a systematic review of the ?what works? literature on temporary release, particularly as concerns home leave and work release programs. Against the ?nothing works? proposition, the findings suggest that both home leave and work release schemes can be effective in reducing recidivism rates, while work release may also enhance post-release employment prospects. The final section discusses the directions future evaluative research should take, with special reference to the need for drawing the link between the procedural and outcome dimensions of temporary release.continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on April 21, 2010 (boomark / email).