Removing Release Impediments and Reducing Correctional Costs: Evaluation of Washington State’s Housing Voucher Program.

PAROLE; SENTENCE reduction (Criminal procedure); CORRECTIONAL institutions; HOMELESS persons; HOMELESSNESS; IMPRISONMENT; PRISONIZATION

Homelessness is a persistent problem facing offenders returning to the community from prison. Many offenders were homeless prior to incarceration, and often return to homelessness after release. Additionally, the costs of incarceration have led policy-makers to consider large-scale alternatives to rapidly and effectively reduce correctional costs. The Washington State Department of Corrections’ Housing Voucher Program (HVP) is a reentry program that seeks to divert offenders from homelessness by paying for returning offenders’ rent expenses in private housing for up to three months following their release. The current study provides an impact evaluation and cost assessment of HVP. Findings demonstrate support for the program and indicate dramatic reductions in associated correctional costs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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