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First published on December 6, 2007 International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology 2007, doi:10.1177/0306624X07309757
Community Reintegration of Ex-Prisoners: Type and Degree of Change in Variables Influencing Successful Reintegration
Alison J. Shinkfield
and
Joseph Graffam*
Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jgraffam{at}deakin.edu.au.
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Abstract |
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Community reintegration of ex-prisoners is an important issue in efforts to reduce recidivism. The present study examined the multiple, complex, and dynamic nature of variables influencing successful reintegration by assessing the type and degree of change in reintegration variables over time. Participants were 79 adult prisoners (54 male, 25 female) who completed a prerelease questionnaire 1 month before their release, which focused on prison-related variables, participant background, and anticipated conditions upon release. A postrelease questionnaire was administered to the same participants at 1-4 weeks and 3-4 months postrelease, focusing on the quality of life conditions experienced following release. Results indicate that current health ratings and several indicators of drug use were significantly different over the three measurement phases. Ratings of employment and housing stability, finance, and social support were unchanged over the postrelease period. Theoretical implications of the present investigation for reintegration theory are discussed, together with practical applications.

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