Baltimore Prisoners' Experiences Returning Home

This research brief, released by the Urban Institute in conjunction with the Returning Home Study in Maryland, provides empirical evidence on the actual experiences of prisoners returning home to Baltimore, based on a series of interviews with prisoners before and after their release. It presents key findings on a range of reentry challenges faced by returning prisoners and describes factors that relate to post-release success or failure, such as employment, substance use, individuals' expectations and attitudes, health challenges, criminal histories, and the family and community context awaiting them.

"The research," said Aurie Hall, criminal justice program director at OSI-Baltimore, "clearly shows that helping prisoners continue to work, receive treatment for substance abuse, and strengthen their family ties while they are incarcerated is crucial to making sure they successfully reintegrate back into the community after leaving prison. By prioritizing these programs, we can reduce both the societal and monetary cost of recidivism."

OSI-Baltimore is one of the study's funders.