Featured Article
Article Title
Reentry Planning of the Future?: A Balanced Critique of Web‑based Reentry Planning Applications
Authors
Samuel J. A. Scaggs - RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
Christine H. Lindquist - RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
Hannah G. Cortina - RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
Megan R. Nyce - RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
Abstract
Traditional approaches to reentry programming, which tend to be deficit-based and involve individuals passively, have met with mixed results. New approaches are clearly needed and strategies that incorporate innovative technologies to facilitate greater information sharing across reentry stakeholders and encourage individuals to take responsibility for their own reentry planning, carry great promise for improving reentry outcomes. To support these objectives, a relatively novel reentry planning application (app), Pokket, is intended to enhance reentry programming and reduce recidivism by enabling the sharing of client-level data across reentry stakeholders and empowering individuals to take ownership over their reentry. Despite the promise of this technology and its expanded use across correctional systems, little research has investigated its utility in supporting returning citizens and the service providers who work with them. In this paper, we offer a balanced critique of webbased reentry planning app adoption by applying the first three stages of the evaluation hierarchy framework during our experience of evaluating the implementation of this technology in North Carolina prisons. Specifically, we examine the need, theoretical underpinnings, and implementation of Pokket. We conclude by presenting considerations for other agencies and organizations that are considering leveraging this technology.
Keywords
Reentry · Corrections · Technology · Web-based applications · Evaluation hierarchy
Summary of Research
“...Correctional agencies and their partners are constantly seeking new and improved practices and approaches to facilitate reentry planning and increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for people released from confinement…Web-based reentry planning [apps] applications are one specific type of emerging technology in this area… Despite the growth in their use in correctional facilities, the utility of these reentry planning tools has not been well-established because of the absence of research on them” (p. 2).
“In this paper, we offer a balanced critique of web-based reentry planning app adoption by applying the first three stages of the EH framework during our recent experience of evaluating the implementation of this technology in North Carolina prisons. Our evaluation focuses on a web-based reentry planning app called “Pokket” developed by Acivilate, which has been implemented in several jails and prison facilities across the country…
The first step in the EH involves assessing the need for reentry planning tools in the context of business-as-usual reentry planning… The challenges facing reentry in America are underscored by the country’s staggering 61% 10-year reincarceration rate for those returning from state prison , emphasizing the persistent struggles encountered by individuals returning to the community after incarceration” (p. 3).
“Typically, reentry planning for people returning from state prison consists of a person being assigned to a correctional case manager who assists with their reentry planning. The timing of reentry planning… varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction, and some studies have shown that timing can significantly impact the success of the person after release, although there is not a clear pattern regarding which timing is best… Contrary to evidence-based recommendations, reentry services are often provided in silos rather than as a coordinated system providing comprehensive services to returning citizens… Rather than focusing on what could make the person be successful upon release, deficit-focused reentry plans commonly center on ways to avoid unwanted behaviors guided by identified negative or criminogenic characteristics….
Compared with this deficit-based model, strengths-based models focus on highlighting an individual’s assets and building upon them to encourage positive internal change, which may be more impactful than its counter-methodology… Another aspect of traditional reentry planning involves the role of community supervision in the reentry process. The vast majority of people released from prison have supervision requirements once in the community, which can range from weeks to years depending on the individual’s circumstances and release terms.
In 2021 and 2022, about 70% of all state and federal prison releases were conditional on community supervision or other requirements…Unfortunately, many community supervision requirements are burdensome and difficult to comply with… Traditional reentry planning has not been widely successful as demonstrated by the country’s high recidivism rate and inconsistent impacts on outcomes of interest within reentry program evaluations” (p. 4– 6).
“We argue that there is some evidence that web-based reentry planning tools, such as Pokket, indeed address known needs in reentry planning by facilitating greater engagement from the reentering person and by facilitating coordination among the service providers involved in working with reentering individuals before and after release—both of which are problematic in traditional approaches… The theory evaluation of web-based reentry planning tools showed that there is a sensible causal logic underlying how such tools might achieve their intended outcomes” (p. 8- 14).
“Pokket aims to increase collaboration across reentry stakeholders through innovative features such as the ability to message between clients and reentry staff, the service provider directory, and the control clients have over who can access their personal information. Thus, Pokket was designed to promote communication between agencies and in turn reduce duplication of services and workload. Despite these features, a lack of communication across agencies may have thwarted the extent to which the tool could be fully implemented” (p. 18).
“Even though few web-based reentry planning tools have been developed, we believe that using the EH to critique novel and potentially promising practices is critical for moving away from criminal justice policies and practices that may not be logical” (p. 22).
“In this paper, we offer a balanced critique of web-based reentry planning app adoption by applying the first three stages of the EH framework during our recent experience of evaluating the implementation of this technology in North Carolina prisons. Our evaluation focuses on a web-based reentry planning app called “Pokket” developed by Acivilate, which has been implemented in several jails and prison facilities across the country…
The first step in the EH involves assessing the need for reentry planning tools in the context of business-as-usual reentry planning… The challenges facing reentry in America are underscored by the country’s staggering 61% 10-year reincarceration rate for those returning from state prison , emphasizing the persistent struggles encountered by individuals returning to the community after incarceration” (p. 3).
“Typically, reentry planning for people returning from state prison consists of a person being assigned to a correctional case manager who assists with their reentry planning. The timing of reentry planning… varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction, and some studies have shown that timing can significantly impact the success of the person after release, although there is not a clear pattern regarding which timing is best… Contrary to evidence-based recommendations, reentry services are often provided in silos rather than as a coordinated system providing comprehensive services to returning citizens… Rather than focusing on what could make the person be successful upon release, deficit-focused reentry plans commonly center on ways to avoid unwanted behaviors guided by identified negative or criminogenic characteristics….
Compared with this deficit-based model, strengths-based models focus on highlighting an individual’s assets and building upon them to encourage positive internal change, which may be more impactful than its counter-methodology… Another aspect of traditional reentry planning involves the role of community supervision in the reentry process. The vast majority of people released from prison have supervision requirements once in the community, which can range from weeks to years depending on the individual’s circumstances and release terms.
In 2021 and 2022, about 70% of all state and federal prison releases were conditional on community supervision or other requirements…Unfortunately, many community supervision requirements are burdensome and difficult to comply with… Traditional reentry planning has not been widely successful as demonstrated by the country’s high recidivism rate and inconsistent impacts on outcomes of interest within reentry program evaluations” (p. 4– 6).
“We argue that there is some evidence that web-based reentry planning tools, such as Pokket, indeed address known needs in reentry planning by facilitating greater engagement from the reentering person and by facilitating coordination among the service providers involved in working with reentering individuals before and after release—both of which are problematic in traditional approaches… The theory evaluation of web-based reentry planning tools showed that there is a sensible causal logic underlying how such tools might achieve their intended outcomes” (p. 8- 14).
“Pokket aims to increase collaboration across reentry stakeholders through innovative features such as the ability to message between clients and reentry staff, the service provider directory, and the control clients have over who can access their personal information. Thus, Pokket was designed to promote communication between agencies and in turn reduce duplication of services and workload. Despite these features, a lack of communication across agencies may have thwarted the extent to which the tool could be fully implemented” (p. 18).
“Even though few web-based reentry planning tools have been developed, we believe that using the EH to critique novel and potentially promising practices is critical for moving away from criminal justice policies and practices that may not be logical” (p. 22).
Translating Research into Practice
“In evaluating the need for a new practice, we must consider if the issue truly lies in the existing practice itself or rather in the implementation of the practice” (p. 6).
“...A need exists to critically evaluate whether it addresses the root causes of passive engagement and coordination challenges. Additionally, the feasibility of integrating technology into a context dominated by traditional practices and agencies with varying levels of technological readiness requires a pragmatic assessment of true need and likelihood of successful implementation” (p. 19).
“...Practitioners must consider the incentives (and disincentives) for returning citizens and correctional practitioners to use web-based reentry planning tools. Importantly, both groups will have to learn and apply tools like Pokket… In addition to digital literacy considerations, practitioners need to consider returning citizens’ key priorities prior to release,which may be more targeted as opposed to general reentry planning… It is also important for practitioners and technology developers to consider if and how these tools duplicate existing reentry planning efforts…
Second, state and local correctional agencies that are considering adopting tools like Pokket need to develop an effective dispersal mechanism for the tool… we recommend developing detailed standard operating procedures that describe relative roles and responsibilities and communication plan among institutional and community corrections staff and case managers before deploying these tools” (p. 20- 21).
“...A need exists to critically evaluate whether it addresses the root causes of passive engagement and coordination challenges. Additionally, the feasibility of integrating technology into a context dominated by traditional practices and agencies with varying levels of technological readiness requires a pragmatic assessment of true need and likelihood of successful implementation” (p. 19).
“...Practitioners must consider the incentives (and disincentives) for returning citizens and correctional practitioners to use web-based reentry planning tools. Importantly, both groups will have to learn and apply tools like Pokket… In addition to digital literacy considerations, practitioners need to consider returning citizens’ key priorities prior to release,which may be more targeted as opposed to general reentry planning… It is also important for practitioners and technology developers to consider if and how these tools duplicate existing reentry planning efforts…
Second, state and local correctional agencies that are considering adopting tools like Pokket need to develop an effective dispersal mechanism for the tool… we recommend developing detailed standard operating procedures that describe relative roles and responsibilities and communication plan among institutional and community corrections staff and case managers before deploying these tools” (p. 20- 21).
Other Interesting Tidbits for Researchers and Clinicians
“Pokket can be accessed before and after release and aims to address common barriers met by people during reentry planning. Clients can use Pokket as a tool to take ownership over their reentry plan during and after their incarceration. It allows clients to access a directory of community services and programs, a calendar with a reminder function, a secure messaging system, a secure file storage mechanism, and a dashboard displaying progress toward their reentry goals. These functions intend to strengthen relationships by allowing clients to check in with reentry staff and providers through the messaging platform or virtual visits and request services as needed and on a timely basis. Pokket also allows staff assisting with reentry (case managers, service providers, and community supervision officers) to access the same client-approved, secured data at the same time while allowing them to communicate directly with clients through the application’s secure messaging feature. With client permission, Pokket also enables reentry staff across agencies visibility into a client’s goals, tasks, and progress in their reentry plan, saving time and reducing duplicate services” (p. 7).
“The question of whether a web-based application like Pokket is a definitive solution for reentry planning remains multifaceted and nuanced. The mounting evidence of the inefficacy of current reentry planning practices highlights the pressing need for a paradigm shift… As the complexities of reentry persist, a blend of critical evaluation, informed decision-making, and strategic technological integration becomes paramount to chart a course toward a more successful reentry process” (p. 23).
“The question of whether a web-based application like Pokket is a definitive solution for reentry planning remains multifaceted and nuanced. The mounting evidence of the inefficacy of current reentry planning practices highlights the pressing need for a paradigm shift… As the complexities of reentry persist, a blend of critical evaluation, informed decision-making, and strategic technological integration becomes paramount to chart a course toward a more successful reentry process” (p. 23).
Additional Resources/Programs
As always, please join the discussion below if you have thoughts or comments to add!
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