Reentry Education Framework: Guidelines for Providing High-Quality Education for Adults Involved in the Criminal Justice System

Overview & Synopsis

Although reentry education is well documented as an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to preparing incarcerated adults for release (Davis et al. 2014), education services offered by correctional facilities often are disconnected from community-based education programs and other support. This lack of communication and coordination can make it difficult for adults to complete their coursework and earn a credential as they transition in and out of the criminal justice system. The Reentry Education Framework presents an approach for reentry education providers to develop an education continuum that strengthens their services and bridges the gap between facility- and community-based programs. This report offers guidelines, tools, and resources to support implementation of the five components of the framework: (1) Program Infrastructure; (2) Strategic Partnerships; (3) Education Services; (4) Transition Processes; and (5) Sustainability. To assist education providers in using the framework to guide the development and implementation of their individualized education continuum, the report includes: (1) an overview of the Reentry Education Framework; (2) guidelines, technical assistance tools, and resources informed by the experiences of three Promoting Reentry Success Through the Continuity of Education Opportunities (PRSCEO) sites; and (3) examples from the PRSCEO sites describing their experiences with implementing an education continuum.