Assessing Philadelphia\u27s community institutional capacity for prisoner reentry

More than ever in American history and more than in any country in the world, every year hundreds of thousands of individuals are incarcerated and released. Most of those released return to communities and families that have limited capacity to support their reentry. In 2005, more than 30,000 individuals returned from prison and jail to Philadelphia neighborhoods. Thus, there is an enormous need for programs, social interventions, services and support to improve the chances of the pro-social reintegration of individuals returning from prisons and jails, which will enhance the public health and safety and cohesion of communities. The literature has shown that community institutions can and do play a significant role in easing the reentry process. As devolution unfolds, community organizations, practitioners, policymakers, and local governments are confronted with the question of communities\u27 capacities to play the role expected of them to address local challenges. Yet while there are a few studies on the role of community capacity in criminal justice, there are none assessing communities\u27 institutional capacity for prisoner reentry. This study sought to determine the community institutional capacity (CIC) for prisoner reentry within Philadelphia. A cross-sectional study, this assessment utilized primary survey data, as well as administrative data obtained from federal, state and county corrections departments to assess Philadelphia\u27s reentry needs and community institutional capacity (CIC) for prisoner reentry. Using inferential statistics and GIS methodologies within an asset-based framework of community organization, the study looked at the five dimensions ( Demographics and Stability. Resources, Outreach and Networking, Products and Services and Presence) of CIC necessary for pro-social ex-offender reintegration. This assessment addresses the collective efficacy that in part determines a community\u27s overall potential to address specific problems. The results were striking. Of organizations that presently serve individuals returning from prison or jail, most of them said they had the capacity to serve more ex-prisoners. Of those that do not presently serve ex-prisoners, but do not have any restrictions to serving them, 60 percent say they have the capacity to serve more. The locations of the serving organizations were found to be a barrier to enhanced utilization. Furthermore, overnight care was found to be in extremely short supply. Services were found to be uncoordinated and fragmented. The challenge, then, is to connect the tens of thousands of ex-prisoners with the much-needed services available, to develop new services, and to coordinate the service delivery system