SAGE Journal Articles

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Journal Article 1: Cheliotis, L. K. (2008). Before the next storm: Some evidence-based reminders about temporary release. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 53, 420–432. 

Abstract: This article offers a long overdue comprehensive review of the literature on the effectiveness of temporary release programs for prisoners. Following an account of how the public and criminal justice workers view temporary release, and against the “nothing works” proposition, it is shown that while in the community, prisoners tend to spend their time constructively and comply with the rules and regulations of temporary release; both home leave and work release schemes can be effective in reducing recidivism rates, and work release in particular may also enhance postrelease employment prospects.

Journal Article 2: Dynia, P., & Sung, H. E. (2000). The safety and effectiveness of diverting Felony drug offenders to residential treatment as measured by recidivism. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 11, 299–311.

Abstract: The Kings County District Attorney’s Office (Brooklyn, New York) initiated the Drug Treatment Alternative-to-Prison program (DTAP) to divert nonviolent, drug-addicted offenders who are prison bound to residential drug treatment. The goal of DTAP is to treat offenders in community-based facilities without endangering public safety and to decrease their recidivism following treatment. Official rearrest rates were examined for 487 comparable defendants. Of DTAP participants, 4% were rear-rested during treatment, whereas 13% of the nonparticipants were rearrested during the pretrial and sentence periods. Of DTAP completers, 23% were rearrested during the 3-year period following treatment completion, which was less than half the rate for DTAP failures and nonparticipants. The authors conclude that when appropriate screening and monitoring procedures are implemented, diverting drug felons to residential treatment is at least as safe as traditional prosecution and sentencing and that successful completion of treatment is much more effective in reducing recidivism than completion of traditional sentences.