“Put it in Your Toolbox”: How Vocational Programs Support Formerly Incarcerated Persons through Reentry

Authors

Katelynn Towne, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Michael Campagna, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Ryan E. Spohn, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Amber Richey, Indiana University Bloomington

Author ORCID Identifier

Spohn - https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9986-951X

Towne - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0743-340X

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-28-2022

Publication Title

Crime & Delinquency

Volume

69

First Page

316

Last Page

341

Abstract

This study utilized life story interviews with 21 formerly incarcerated individuals to examine the role vocational reentry programming played in the desistance process. We begin with a review of theories of desistance and the state of reentry programs. A thematic analysis revealed that providers assisted individuals to understand their behavioral trajectories and to take steps toward desistance. Further, participants felt empowered by program provided social support, developed strategies to overcome employment barriers, and held resilient and optimistic attitudes in changing their identities and behavioral trajectories. We conclude with a discussion on how these findings can inform desistance theory and reentry policy.

Comments

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Sage in Crime & Delinquency on May 28. 2022, available online: https://doi.org/10.1177/00111287221098581

Reuse restricted to noncommercial and no derivative uses.

Copyright held by authors.

Recommended Citation

Towne, Katelynn, Michael Campagna, Ryan Spohn, and Amber Richey*. 2022. “Put it in your Toolbox”: How Vocational Reentry Programs Support Formerly Incarcerated Persons through Desistance.” Crime & Delinquency. 69: 316-341. https://doi.org/10.1177/00111287221098581