Rethinking the Reentry Paradigm: A Blueprint for Action

The perspective of this text is that offender reentry is not a static, isolated event, but a process that occurs over time. Moreover, if reentry policy and practice is contextualized as a process rather than as a finite event, preparation and planning can drive reentry, not a prison release date. Consequently, this text discusses the issue of offender reentry in more global terms and suggests solutions to reentry issues across a continuum that begins at entry to prison, includes release from prison, and culminates with integration into the community.

The second edition presents a comprehensive account of the reentry process, detailing the individual and social barriers to reentry along with promising practices. The authors describe the implications of the reentry process for returning offenders, families, the community and society-at-large. Each chapter provides a thoughtful discussion addressing historical context and current trends.

Kimberly A. Houser is an Associate Professor of Law and Justice Studies at Rowan University.

Melinda Schlager Arnold is Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and a Professor of Criminal Justice at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.