RESOLUTION ON FAMILY BASED REENTRY PLAN

WHEREAS, the membership of the Association of Paroling Authorities International believes that more emphasis should be placed on Family-Based Reentry Plans upon an offender’s return to society, because studies have shown that a strong family support system will lessen the chance of re-offending for some offenders; and

WHEREAS, recent studies have shown that, approximately, 600,000 individuals are incarcerated each year, while more than 585,000 are released back into society; and

WHEREAS, the Urban Institute conducted a study in Chicago that reported 71% of former prisoners that were interviewed cited family support as important in helping them to avoid going back to prison. Indicative of that support, of those interviewed four months after leaving prison, 88% were living with family and 59% were receiving financial assistance from a spouse, other family member, or friend; and,

WHEREAS, the study reveals in the contrary that negative family relationships, or their absence, pose risks for released offenders attempting to navigate the many challenges of reentry. This study is an in-depth look at how former convicts adjust after prison and what types of assistance can insulate them from re-offending and, thus, reduce recidivism rates; and,

WHEREAS, studies have shown that to facilitate lasting change in the lives of some offenders, a Family-Based intervention system is necessary for successful transition; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Association of Paroling Authorities International supports reentry planning that provides for family-Based intervention programs shown to improve the quality of life for offenders upon their release from prison, thereby reducing recidivism for this offender population.

Adopted April 30, 2008