FY 2011 Second Chance Act Adult Offender Reentry Demonstration Projects: Evaluability Assessment of the New Haven (CT) Reentry Initiative

• NCJ Number: 243981
• Author(s): Janeen Buck Willison; Kelly Walsh; Lara Markovits
• Date Published: September 2012
• Length: 29 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2012-R2-CX-0032
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Evaluation
• Award: FY2011 Adult SCA Evaluability Assessment ??? Focus Area #1

Annotation

This study conducted an evaluability assessment (determination of whether a project is a candidate for meaningful evaluation) of the New Haven (Connecticut) Reentry Initiative (NHRI), a FY 2011 Second Chance Act (SCA) demonstration site, whose grant-mandated goals are to increase reentry programming for returning prisoners and their families; reduce recidivism of program participants by 50 percent over 5 years, reduce parole violations, and improve reintegration outcomes.

Abstract

The evaluability assessment (EA) found that NHRI's case flow is sufficient to support rigorous evaluation research, and a number of program features warrant further study. Impact, outcome, process, and cost evaluations will likely produce actionable information for the practitioners, program developers, and policymakers. There are some key concerns that will impact the program in the near future that may de-stabilize its operations and evaluability. NHRI funding ends in September 2013 and there is not yet an indication as to whether additional funding will be available. Given the project's current funding status, program leaders reported that program enrollment would conclude in March 2013 so as to ensure that all new NHRI participants are released and in the community by May 31, 2013. Given the current uncertainty about funding, it is difficult for the EA team to envision what might remain for evaluation after September 2013. NHRI's primary goals are to reduce re-offending and improve public safety by identifying and reducing the risk of recidivism by 50 percent; build local and community capacity to support reentry; enlisting and engaging the participation of other State agencies and partners in local government, law enforcement, service providers, and community organizations in risk reduction and reentry planning; and using evidence-based practices that address the greatest criminogenic needs. The EA methodology is described in detail. 3 exhibits, 4 references, and appended logic models