Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Higher Priority Should Be Given to Transition Services to Reduce Inmate Recidivism

Report 07-17, February 2007

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Report Summary

Transition services act as a bridge between incarceration and life in the community for newly released offenders. In the absence of meaningful transition services, offenders may return to illegal activities and prison. As a proactive cost avoidance measure, priority should be given to transition services as part of an overall strategy to reduce inmate recidivism.

The department's current transition services have several key limitations.

  • While release planning addresses some inmate transition needs, key components are missing.
  • The department's reliance on inmate self-study and high facilitator turnover and lapses in services can compromise transition preparation course effectiveness.
  • Work release is limited; expanding it would produce cost savings and may reduce recidivism, but increases the risk to the public.
  • Faith-based transitional housing beds are underutilized.
  • The department lacks transitional housing beds for sex offenders.

Related Reports
  1. Department of Corrections Should Maximize Use of Best Practices in Inmate Rehabilitation Efforts
    Report 09-44 December 2009
  2. Faith- and Character-Based Prison Initiative Yields Institutional Benefits; Effect on Recidivism Modest
    Report 09-38 October 2009
  3. The Delays in Screening Sexually Violent Predators Increase Costs; Treatment Facility Security Enhanced
    Report 08-10 March 2008
  4. Some Inmate Family Visitation Practices Are Not Meeting the Legislature's Intent
    Report 07-16 February 2007
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
criminal justice, juvenile justice, crime, corrections, transition, re-entry, work release, recidivism, visitation, phone, dress code, visit, commission, family, youth, children, toy, activity, visitor, calls, correctional officer, separations, trainees, turnover, training costs, vacancies, vacant positions, vacant FTE, prison, inmate, healthcare, health care cost, OPS, reimbursement, separation rate, corrections, sexually violent predators, sex offenders, treatment, ryce act, martin, liberty, mentally ill, desoto, monitoring, evaluation