The Report > Review of the Re-Entry Process > Transition > Design of Supervision Strategy

D: Managing the Key Transition Period

3: Validated assessments indicate the specific needs and services required for an individual to increase the likelihood of a successful return to the community from prison or jail.

In this chapter:

  • Overview
  • Research Highlights:
  • Recommendations:

    • Appropriate assessment data can indicate the specific needs and services required by an individual to increase his or her chances for a successful return to the community from prison or jail. [1]   The quality, relevance, and effectiveness of the release decision and supervision strategy depend on comprehensive and accurate information. Assessment instruments can effectively guide decisions about the level of supervision to assign to an individual by identifying risks such as drug and alcohol abuse and gang involvement that, if addressed adequately, can reduce recidivism. [2]   (See sidebar, "Sample Instruments" in Policy Statement 8, Development of Intake Procedure, for examples of risk assessment instruments.)

    1. James Austin, "Findings in Prison Classification and Risk Assessment," US Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections (Washington, DC) .

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    2. Ibid.

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