Assessing the Effectiveness of the Second Chance Act Grant Program
Assessing the Effectiveness of the Second Chance Act Grant Program
With funding from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Assessing the Effectiveness of the Second Chance Act Grant Program encompasses a three-phased evaluation of three grant sites selected by NIJ and the Bureau of Justice Assistance implementing re-entry services under the Second Chance Act program. The Second Chance Act, signed into law in April 2008, aims to break the cycle of criminal recidivism and improve outcomes for people returning from prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities. In addition to case management, Second Chance Act services can include education and training, employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, cognitive behavioral therapy, pro-social services, and housing assistance.
GHPC researchers, in partnership with faculty from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies’ departments of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Economics, are conducting a phased research evaluation strategy that details and measures the implementation, processes, outcomes, costs, and impacts of the grants awarded under the Second Chance Act program. Phase I consists of a formative evaluation to determine the feasibility of an outcome/impact evaluation at each grant site. This includes a review of program documents, administrative records, expenditure and revenue data, program reports, key informant interviews, training and technical assistance provider reports, and site visit program observations. Phase II entails the development of the site-specific evaluation design — a randomized control trial, if feasible, or a quasi-experimental design. Finally, Phase III consists of the implementation of the evaluation plan with a follow-up period up to 36-months to assess reentry outcomes including employment, education, housing, access to mental health and substance use services, and reductions in substance use and recidivism, and the extent to which the program meet the needs of demographic groups. Additionally, the evaluation assesses the effectiveness of the Second Chance Act program structures for service provision; cost effectiveness; and the impact on participants, other related program, and communities. Finally, the evaluation examines the quality and effectiveness of technical assistance provided by the Department of Justice to grantees for implementing such programs.