Reentry
Why Does Reentry Matter?
Successful reentry benefits public safety. Well designed transitioning initiatives that provide supports to offenders as they reenter the community reduces victimization, lowers recidivism rates, and breaks the cycle of involvement in the criminal justice system.
In 2003, the recidivism rate for Texas prisoners was approximately 28%.
Additionally, the financial effect of successful reentry is a reduction of money spent on the correctional piece of our public safety system. Currently TDCJ incarcerates more than 150,000 individuals on an annual budget in excess of $2.5 billion.
While TDCJ spends approximately $40.06 per day per offender for incarceration, community supervision only costs $2.27 per day per offender.
When ex-offenders successfully transition back to their community, they have positive personal outcomes related to substance abuse, employment, stable housing, health, and family relationships.
Ex-offenders reconnecting with their families provide stability for their children. Parental incarceration affects 1 in every 40 children.
When parents go to prison, most families experience financial losses or incur additional financial expenses. Given the financial and social stressors they face, caregivers living in the community and parents in prison may not be able to provide the nurturing, care and guidance that children need. Without the support and attention of these adults, children’s own emotional issues can be exacerbated. These children also face social stigma and shame when a family member is incarcerated.
Ultimately, 1 in 10 of those children will be incarcerated themselves by the time they reach adulthood.