The California Treatment Expansion Initiative: Aftercare Participation, Recidivism, and Predictors of Outcomes

Abstract

This study explored possible predictors of participation in aftercare and 12-month return-to-custody (RTC) among 4,155 inmates who participated in prison-based therapeutic community treatment in California. The most consistent theme that emerged from this study was the importance of duration of time spent in treatment. Increased time spent in prison-based treatment predicted increased participation in aftercare and decreased 12-month RTC. Similarly, increased time spent in aftercare predicted decreased 12-month RTC. Those who participated in aftercare in urban counties spent longer periods of time in treatment and were less likely to be returned to custody within 12 months. The findings suggest that Hispanics rely more successfully on social and/or familial support systems than on aftercare postrelease. The findings also highlight the importance of education in facilitating postrelease reintegration and ensuring successful outcomes.