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Press Release  Massachusetts Department of Correction Releases Three-Year Recidivism Report for 2019 Release Cohort, Highlighting Impact of Ongoing Initiatives to Reduce Re-offending

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) today published its annual recidivism report, which reveals key findings on the three-year recidivism rates for individuals released in 2019
For immediate release:
10/15/2024
  • Massachusetts Department of Correction
  • Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

Media Contact   for Massachusetts Department of Correction Releases Three-Year Recidivism Report for 2019 Release Cohort, Highlighting Impact of Ongoing Initiatives to Reduce Re-offending

Scott J. Croteau, Acting Director of Media Relations

Milford — The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) today published its annual recidivism report, which reveals key findings on the three-year recidivism rates for individuals released in 2019. According to the report, the overall recidivism rate for this cohort decreased to 26 percent, down from 29 percent in the previous year, showcasing the DOC’s continued commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

The report tracks the re-incarceration rates of individuals released from DOC facilities within three years of their release. Of the 1,947 individuals released in 2019, 500 were re-incarcerated within the study period. The findings indicate notable progress, particularly among female offenders, whose recidivism rate decreased by five percentage points from 28 percent in the previous cohort to 23 percent.

“The significant decline in recidivism rates reflects the Department’s focus on evidence-based practices and strategic interventions designed to support successful reentry into society. Reducing recidivism not only benefits those who are reintegrating but also enhances public safety across Massachusetts,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.

“Through comprehensive programming and partnerships with community organizations, we are seeing meaningful change in the lives of individuals who have served their sentences. This report underscores our dedication to reducing recidivism through targeted interventions that address the root causes of criminal behavior,” said DOC Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins

Initiatives to Reduce Recidivism

The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains deeply committed to supporting successful reentry, investing over $7 Million in reentry programming in the State Fiscal Year 2025 budget

The DOC has implemented several innovative programs and initiatives to reduce recidivism and promote successful reentry. These efforts include:

  • Reentry Services: Individuals receive personalized reentry plans that include job readiness training, housing assistance, and access to mental health services to ensure a smoother transition back into society.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The DOC has expanded its use of CBT-based programs to help individuals change thinking patterns associated with criminal behavior. These programs equip participants with problem-solving and decision-making skills to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
  • Educational Programming: Educators within the Department and from external institutions of higher education, including MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Tufts University, Emerson College, Babson College, Massasoit Community College and Mount Wachusett Community College, provide students with the opportunity to earn their HiSet, academic certificates, and Bachelor’s Degrees.  The DOC is operating classes at full capacity and is continuously creating new educational opportunities to provide incarcerated learners with additional educational programming at all levels. 
  • In-Demand Job Skill Training: Vocational instructors equip students with skills in computer coding (i.e., the Last Mile), metal fabrication, printing operations, computer aided design, optical, barbering, Culinary Arts, ServSafe, diesel mechanic, small engine repair and other employable skills.  
  • Tablets: The DOC implements an innovative tablet program that equips incarcerated individuals with personalized electronic devices for convenient access to a wide range of online courses to accelerate education, job skill training, and self-improvement programs. A preliminary analysis of tablet use at DOC facilities showed that nearly 5,000 incarcerated individuals accessed more than 252,000 hours content and took part in more than 1,150 virtual classrooms.
  • Substance Use Disorder Treatment: With addiction being a significant factor in reoffending, the DOC supports incarcerated individuals with personalized and evidence -based treatment programs. These include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and intensive counseling services. 
  • Parole Partnership: The DOC works closely with the Massachusetts Parole Board to support individuals preparing for release, providing tools and resources to assist with their ability to comply with conditions while receiving ongoing support to stay on track.
  • New Reentry Program for Women at MCI-Framingham: In June, the DOC launched an innovative program. The PEACE Unit is designed to advance rehabilitation and promote successful community reentry by supporting incarcerated women with essential skill development, transformative mentoring and building familial bonds. 
  • The BRAVE Unit: Recognizing the need to support emerging adults living under its care, the DOC created the Building Responsible Adults through Validation and Education (BRAVE) Unit, located at North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner. This nationally recognized program provides education and builds support for successful fatherhood. 

A related recidivism study recently published by the DOC concluded that formerly incarcerated individuals who completed a DOC substance use treatment program and attained a high school equivalency credential through DOC, were 7.8 percent less likely to be convicted of subsequent offenses than those who did not complete programming. 

Looking Forward

As the DOC continues its efforts to reduce recidivism, the department consistently explores new programming informed by data collection and stakeholder feedback aimed at further decreasing recidivism rates, improving outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals, and promoting public safety. 

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Media Contact   for Massachusetts Department of Correction Releases Three-Year Recidivism Report for 2019 Release Cohort, Highlighting Impact of Ongoing Initiatives to Reduce Re-offending

  • 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.
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