A Holistic Approach to Reducing Recidivism in a Large Urban County

This applied dissertation addressed the need to reduce the high rate of recidivism in a large urban Florida county. Although scripted programs are being used to reduce recidivism, the rate has remained high and there is a need to determine more effective strategies to reduce the high rate of recidivism. The study explored (a) social stigmas that ex-offenders\u27 resettlement created, (b) multiple ex-offenders\u27 needs including those of education, employment, housing, and supportive relationships, and (c) other factors ex-offenders endured upon embarking into society after years of institutionalization. In this regard, it was postulated that difficulties arose in the individual service providers ability to meet these multiple and complex needs as part of proven evidence-based practices. Focus groups were conducted to (a) identify service providers and the resources available for aiding ex-offenders upon release into communities, (b) gaps in service delivery for released prisoners, (c) challenges that existed in communities dealing with servicing the ex-offender population, (d) barriers to collaboration between agencies and service providers, and (e) recommendations to meet the needs of ex-offenders transitioning back into community living. After reviewing, the study confirmed the current model of service delivery in the context of current theories to rehabilitation and ex-offenders\u27 reentry into society related to the (a) types of support, resources, and services ex-offenders needed to help them successfully transition back into community life and not return to criminal activity, (b) factors in ex-offenders\u27 lives that trigger a return to criminal activity, and (c) barriers preventing service providers along with profit and non-profit organizations in a large urban South Florida county, as needed to be revisited to include service providers working pre-release and post-release collaboratively. Moreover, the study found that to streamline the confusing process of finding and contacting agencies to assist ex-offenders, required creating an all-inclusive approach, with both small and large organizations who are adequately funded and working together to reduce recidivism; and improving the tracking system of follow-up services, rendered to ex-offenders to ensure that service provisions are efficient and effective. Finally, by incorporating the types of support, resources, and services that are responsive to ex-offenders\u27 individual needs so that a more holistic approach is taken into the prevention of recidivism, providers must receive the funding necessary to continue engaging with reentry