Reentry in Ohio Corrections: A Catalyst for Change

Journal of Correctional Education, Jun 2005 by Wilkinson, Reginald A, Rhine, Edward E, Henderson-Hurley, Martha

Serious Violent Offender Reentry Initiative. Ohio's CORE grant was selected as one of the grant sites to participate in the national evaluation of SVORI programs. The Urban Institute and Research Triangle Institute began conducting the evaluation in July 2004.

The evaluation is designed to answer four key questions (http://www.svori-evaluation.org): 1. To what extent did CORE lead to more coordinated planning and integrated services among partner agencies?; 2. To what extent did reentry participants receive more individualized and comprehensive services than comparison subjects?; 3) To what extent did reentry participants demonstrate better recidivism, health, and personal functioning outcomes than comparison subjects?; and 4) To what extent did the benefits derived from reentry programming exceed costs? To answer these questions, the research team will conduct an implementation assessment and an impact evaluation of the CORE program. The research is expected to conclude in 2007.

Summary and Conclusions

A rich assortment of reentry initiatives has been introduced in Ohio. Many other improvements can be expected in the next few years as some programs move from the conceptual planning to the implementation stage. Numerous funding sources have been tapped into to support these programs. There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to the challenges of reentry. Reentry needs vary across offenders and communities. Specialized reentry programs sponsored by the state and private organizations within communities have vital roles to play. In this regard, much is to be said in favor of programs that are reflective of partnerships with community organizations, as evidenced in Cleveland and Cincinnati's reentry efforts.

Ohio's experiences show that successful reentry initiatives depend upon successful collaborations. The many stakeholders-departments of correction, jobs and family service agencies, mental health boards, faith-based and charitable organizations, among others-must build partnerships that coordinate efforts in ways that deliver effective services to offenders returning to the community. Teaming multiple service-providers across multiple human-service agencies can create opportunities for the successful reentry of ex-offenders back in to the community where "reentry" means 'going home to stay.' It is far too early to make any assessment of current initiatives in Ohio. Evaluation studies are forthcoming. However, one clear benefit already apparent from the implementation of the initiatives is the increased awareness and interest by criminal justice agencies outside DRC, other government agencies in Ohio, non-profit organizations, and community and faith-based organizations in addressing the myriad issues associated with returning offenders in a new and innovative ways.

References

Bazemore, G. (2000). Community Justice and a Vision of Collective Efficacy: The Case Restorative. Retrieved April 5, 2005, from http://www.ncjrs.org/criminal_justice2000/vol_3/03f.pdf.>