Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Parole System in Assisting With the Reintegration of Ex-Offenders into the Society Later (Recidivism)

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Park University

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ABSTRACT

Ex-offenders face many problems that affect their ability to become law-abiding citizens, once they have served in prisons for a certain time. This is especially true for high-risk offenders, whose criminal records are quite controversial and critical. These interventions represent a wide range of measurements and reflect the efforts made in this area by the criminal justice system, in collaboration with community agencies and organizations. The reintegration programs and parole systems are primarily aimed at diminishing risk factors associated with recidivism, while more specific initiatives address issues that the offender meets his release from prison, as substance abuse and lack of access to employment. Other interventions targeting specific groups include targeting sex offenders or young offenders, which are at high risk. Generally, this means distinguished rehabilitation programs in prison interventions, monitoring programs in transition, assistance programs in the transition phase and integrated programs of continuing care. There is currently little evaluation studies that allow us to identify good practices, and to assess the effectiveness of specific interventions. Despite the limitations posed by evaluations, it is possible to conclude that some forms of intervention seem to have a positive effect, contributing effectively to the reintegration of ex-prisoners community and reducing recidivism.

APPROVAL PAGE

APPROVED:

Thesis Committee:

Major Professor__________________________________

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DEAN OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

PARK UNIVERSITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACTIII

APPROVAL PAGEIV

GLOSSARYVI

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSVII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTIONVIII

Background of Studyviii

Aims and Objectives of Researchx

Ethical Considerationsxi

CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF LITERATUREXIII

Reintegration: Issues and Challengesxv

Controversies related to Parole Systemsxvii

Goals and Attributes of Offender Reentry Programsxviii

Reintegration through Parolesxix

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGYXXII

CHAPTER 4: RESULTSXXV

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSIONXXVIII

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONXXXII

Implications of Researchxxxiii

Contributions of Researchxxxiv

REFERENCESXXXV

GLOSSARY

Parole: It corresponds to the release of a convict before the normal expiry of his term of imprisonment or confinement, subject to respect for a trial period, a number of obligations. At the end of the probation period without incident, the convicted person is considered to have performed the entire sentence.

Probation: Sentenced to a judge or as an alternative to a prison sentence is served, or more. A trial period allows a person to live in the community, at the same time, under certain conditions, and under the supervision of a probation officer under provincial jurisdiction.

Rehabilitation/Reintegration: Official recognition that a person has finished serving his sentence for an indictable offense and showed a law-abiding behavior in the community for some time.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research coordinator, colleagues, and peers and family; whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration in the completion of this academic endeavor.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of Study

The attention paid to the reintegration of offenders into the community is the key element of any prevention program and any intervention, which aims to reduce recidivism. It is necessary to break the vicious circle that impedes the social rehabilitation of released offenders by undertaking crime prevention programs including sustainable measures to reduce ...