Multi-site Randomized Controlled Trial of Comprehensive Trauma Informed Reentry Services for Moderate to High Risk Youth Releasing From State Prisons

The applicant proposes a five-year study to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive trauma-based reentry program for young men (aged 18-24) assessed as moderate- to high-risk for recidivism as they release from prison to the community. Trauma symptoms resulting from high rates of serious lifetime traumatic experiences (LTEs) may potentially drive the recidivism rates of young men. The intervention will be assessed using a two-armed randomized controlled trial. Four hundred young males released from one of 10 Florida prisons into four urban and rural counties in will be randomly assigned to receive a comprehensive trauma-based reentry program or treatment-as-usual. The effectiveness of the comprehensive trauma-based reentry program will be evaluated on mechanisms of change (trauma symptoms, coping, impulsivity, and aggression), community stability (housing, employment) and recidivism. Data on mechanisms of change and community stability will be collected for a year; recidivism will be tracked for 3 years. The applicant will use the Research-to-Practice Feedback Loop to catalyze rapid assessment of intervention and implementation refinement (if necessary) and increase participant responsivity. The Feedback Loop was developed by a team of methodologists to ensure that adjustments can be made during an RCT while maintaining rigor and integrity. The proposed study will be conducted in collaboration with Florida Department of Corrections, Jacksonville Re-Entry Center, City Rescue Mission, and the Institute for Justice Research and Development at Florida State University. "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