From Corrections to Community

Abstract

Empirical research suggests that the first few months of community reentry are a critical time period for youth offenders to establish routines and support systems that can reduce the likelihood of recidivism. However, little is known about youth's perceptions of the various challenges involved in their transition or their coping strategies. This study analyzes a series of 27 semi-structured, qualitative interviews with 10 youth who were released from a 12-month therapeutic correctional institution in Minnesota. Participants accurately predicted that “old friends and influences” would present their greatest challenge. However, “selective involvement” with these old friends and influences helped some of the offenders avoid falling back into old patterns or becoming re-incarcerated during the first several months back in the community. The author draws upon this in-depth qualitative data to pose implications for juvenile transition programming and for future research.

Key Words:

• Transition and reentry programs
• juvenile offenders
• corrections
• qualitative methods
• reduction of risk