Massachusetts Department of Correction Study Confirms Impact of Rehabilitative Programming on Reducing Recidivism

• Massachusetts Department of Correction
• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

Milford- The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) published a recidivism report which demonstrates that the participation in and completion of risk reduction programs can significantly decrease the recidivism rates for individuals reentering communities. According to the DOC's latest report, researchers found that completing educational, vocational, substance use treatment and betterment programs reduced recidivism rates, by more than half in some cases, compared to those who did not participate in programming.

The findings indicate that completing programming plays a critical role in reducing the likelihood of reoffending, with lower one-year recidivism rates seen in three of five programs for women and all six programs for men. The analysis also suggests that participation in a program, regardless of completion or program type, had potential for lowering recidivism rates across all five programs for women.

"Investment in meaningful and life-changing programming for individuals reentering society results in safer and stronger communities," said Governor Maura Healey. "The results of this study show the DOC is equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge and skills to be successful."

"The connection between impactful programming and recidivism reduction is clear," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Our administration is committed to reducing barriers and strengthening pathways to success for individuals returning to communities."

The DOC studied the one-year recidivism rate of individuals who were released via expiration of their sentence or through parole from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2022.

The cohort within the study involved a review of 7,874 men and 1,268 women who were released to the community.

Key findings within the study showed:

• Overall rates: One-year recidivism rate of 10.6% for men and 11.4% for women.
• Pathway Program: Women who completed a minimum of 26 weeks had a 3.6% recidivism rate compared to 14.7% for those who did not.
• Women's Vocational Programming: Those who completed the certification had a 0% recidivism rate compared to 8.9% for those who did not.
• Men's Vocational Programming: Those who completed the certification had a 5.2% recidivism rate compared to 11.6% for those who did not.
• Motivational Enhancement Program: Women who completed the program and were released had a recidivism rate of 11.3% compared to 15.8% for those who did not.
• Correctional Recovery Academy: Men who completed this substance use education program had a recidivism rate of 7.1% compared to 14.9% for those who did not.
• Violence Reduction Program: Men who completed this anger management program had a recidivism rate of 10.6% compared to 13.8% for those who did not.
• Criminal Addiction Thinking Program: Men who completed this program had a recidivism rate of 11.1% compared to 13.3% for those who did not.

All data reflects members of the cohort who were eligible for programming.

"The results of this study show why Massachusetts continues to be a leader in recidivism reduction. The DOC and its numerous partners implement and curate evidence-based programming in the collective goal of making communities safer and preparing individuals for successful reentry," said Interim Public Safety and Security Secretary Susan W. Terry. "I applaud the researchers for their analysis. These reviews are essential in confirming what programs are driving successful results."

"Through a robust portfolio of programs created by hard-working and talented DOC staff and passionate partners, we are able to impact the lives of individuals leaving our facilities and communities," said DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. "We continue to expand opportunities while utilizing data-driven decisions to ensure both our programs and individuals are successful."

The Pathway Program Continuum is a framework of treatment for incarcerated women with each pathway incorporating a unique set of curricula designed to address an individual's specific needs including but not limiting to addressing trauma, abuse, substance abuse and mental illness. The four Pathways are: Life in Recovery, Building Positive Connections, Healthy Living Community and Healing for the Future. The model of facilitation addresses multiple need areas within one week of instruction. Program completion is achieved after an individual participates in 26 weeks of each curriculum represented in the individual's Pathway Continuum.

The Motivational Enhancement Program (MEP) is a 4-week program that introduces participants to basic program concepts while encouraging positive behavioral change. The program is designed to motivate participants to become involved in more intensive programs to address their broader criminogenic need areas.

The Correctional Recovery Academy (CRA) is an intensive 6-month skill-based residential substance use education available across multiple DOC facilities. CRA targets substance use, anger management, criminal thinking, and relapse prevention by utilizing a therapeutic community-based approach with an advanced cognitive behavioral curriculum that promotes positive social learning.

Across all DOC facilities, housed individuals have access to a vast variety of vocational, educational, treatment and education programs through the DOC's tablet program and partnerships. At MCI-Framingham, the DOC recently announced an additional educational opportunity with Boston College.

About the Massachusetts Department of Correction
The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) manages the custody, care, and rehabilitation of approximately 6,000 individuals across 13 state facilities. The DOC emphasizes evidence-based programming, trauma-informed care and educational and vocational training to reduce recidivism and is committed to fostering accountability, personal growth and successful reentry. Through partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders, the DOC delivers innovative services tailored to the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals while advancing equity, inclusion and long-term public safety.

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• Massachusetts Department of Correction

  The Department of Correction oversees the state prison system, managing 13 institutions across the state. We provide custody, care, and programming for those under our supervision to prepare them for safe and successful reentry into the community.

• Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

  EOPSS is responsible for the policy development and budgetary oversight of its secretariat agencies, independent programs, and several boards which aid in crime prevention, homeland security preparedness, and ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in the Commonwealth.