Restoring Promise: A randomized control trial examining the impact of innovative young adult housing on reducing violence

This proposal seeks to study the impact of Restoring Promise, a novel correctional housing program for young adult offenders designed to reduce violent misconduct. Restoring Promise was developed and piloted through a collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Corrections and Middlesex County, Massachusetts. It consists of low officer-inmate ratios, more community time, community-based rules and expectations, and mentors serving life-sentences that live in the facility.

Restoring Promise will be implemented in South Carolina. The applicant seeks to execute a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT). A stratified sample (based on risk-level) of 200 eligible participants, who apply to live in Restoring Promise, will be randomly assigned Restoring Promise or traditional housing units. Vera will also sample 100 offenders who did not apply to live in the housing unit to study the possibility of selection bias.

Finally, a climate survey will be administered to residents and staff of Restoring Promise in South Carolina, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

"Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14).

CA/NCF