Title

Training Offenders for Life and Work: An Assessment of Texas' Project RIO (Reintegration of Offenders)

Document Type

Research Report

Comments


An Applied Research Project (Political Science 5397) Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University, In Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Summer 2007.

Faculty Approval:
Dr. Patricia Shields
Dr. Tamela Saldana
Ms. Candace Ferguson

Abstract


Purposes: The first purpose of this study is to describe the ideal characteristics of a model offender reintegration program based on a review of the literature. The second purpose is to conduct a limited case study and assess Texas’ Project RIO (Reintegration of Offenders) using the ideal characteristics. The third purpose is to make recommendations that should assist all offender reintegration programs to assist offenders more effectively in the reintegration process.

Methodology: The methodologies used in this limited case study of Project RIO include document and archival analysis. The document and archival analysis include a collection of reports published by Project RIO’s operating agencies and several independent reports.

Results: Overall, Project RIO does not adhere to the practical ideal type model developed through the literature. Project RIO could improve services by: increasing requirements regarding participation in life skills and educational programming; adding a reintegrative focus to the intake assessment of the offender; creating a method for diverting offenders from a return to prison for technical violations; and developing a method for offenders to earn the reintegration of their rights.