Investigating Volunteer Community Programs Successful in Recidivism Prevention in Tennessee

Recidivism is the re-incarceration of former prisoners. Recidivism is a public health issue yielding negative economic impact on our legal systems, state budgets, and tax obligations. The Tennessee Dept of Corrections reports a recidivism rate of 51% over a three year span. This pilot study aimed to determine the variables that generate high success rates in recidivism prevention. A survey was administered to 43 organizations in the state of Tennessee to collect data concerning the services provided and the type of prisoners who participated in these services. The services included mentoring, literacy training/GED completion, drug addiction counseling, job training, housing, legal issues, working with veterans issues, and providing 24 hour/365 day childcare for incarcerated mothers. In addition to literacy and drug addiction, other variables such as prostitution, domestic violence, and family history were examined. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the dependent variable, failure percent, and the multiple independent variables (i.e. services provided by the organization). The step-wise method of linear regression analysis was used to determine which variables contributed most to the success rate. The research findings illustrate the organizations have an 85% success rate of preventing recidivism. Those with the lowest percent of recidivism have primary services addressing drug addiction counseling, veterans, and legal issues. Our findings indicate that there are risk factors that support both going to prison and recidivism. Prevention efforts should be directed toward veteran issues, those who suffer from drug addiction and those with legal issues.