Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Linda Mallinson

Committee Member

James Pietrovito

Committee Member

Lynne Schrum

Keywords

community acceptance, community programs, correctional rehabilitation, criminal background barriers, employment, ex-offenders, family support, focus groups, holistic approach, holism, housing, incarceration, phenomenological qualitative study, prisoner reentry, recidivism, recidivism reduction, reentry services, resettlement, Rhode Island Department of Corrections, service delivery, social stigma, supportive relationships, urban institute

Abstract

Data collected from a focus group of ex-offenders and a focus group of staff members from organizations that provide services to ex-offenders were analyzed in this phenomenological qualitative study to explore (a) the social stigmas encountered by ex-offender resettlement; (b) the multiplicity of ex-offenders' needs, such as education, employment, housing, and supportive relationships; and (c) other factors ex-offenders endure when they reenter society after years of institutionalization. Explored in this research study were the difficulties faced by released prisoners to access resources from fragmented systems, obtain services from agencies that were limited because of budget cuts, and identify gaps in the delivery of services that ex-offenders need. A key component of the study was to assess the ex-offender as an individual, and to assess the need for a more holistic approach to the provision of services that ex-offenders need during reentry into community life after incarceration. Also part of the study was how leaders of agencies that receive federal funds to provide programs for ex-offenders pre- and post-release could collaborate to provide more effective strategies in recidivism reduction.

A study by the Urban Institute that was conducted to help the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, 30 literature reviews, data from 16 focus group participants, and many other works that collectively addressed the problematic issues of “what works” were used to draw conclusions about effective ways to reduce recidivism.

A key conclusion draw from the analysis of the data collected was that there is a need for a broader view of how to reduce recidivism that includes a holistic approach (holism) during ex-offenders' reentry into community life. Holism is practical as an empowerment tool for ex-offenders to address obstacles associated with (a) finding jobs, (b) obtaining housing, (c) being accepted by community members and family members, (d) removing barriers caused by having a criminal background, and (e) understanding services provided by agencies and where to find information about these services.

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