Abstract
Living in the nation that incarcerates the most in the world presents a crucial question, what happens when these individuals are released? In Massachusetts, 1,360 people were released from correctional facilities in 2022 (Massachusetts DOC 2023). It is vital to consider the perspectives of those most impacted by the reentry system if the system and public safety are ever to be improved. No existing study relies on qualitative data from people with justice system involvement across Massachusetts, including currently and previously incarcerated individuals and professionals working in this field. Current research on reentry largely neglects the perspectives of those involved in this process. This work sought to determine whether there is an agreement between system actors and system-impacted people regarding what returning citizens need to be successful in their reentry. In this thesis, I use interviews to demonstrate how the ideas of those most involved in the reentry process can provide insight into four major debates: the definition of successful reentry, the success of current programming, who is most responsible for reentry, and what, if any, changes are needed. This research shows that many of their perspectives, especially concerning systemic success, who is most accountable for reentry outcomes, and necessary reforms, were distinct based on the participant’s background. Incarcerated respondents were the most negative about the success of current reentry resources, while those working in reentry were the most neutral, and previously incarcerated people had the most varied ideas. Incarcerated participants believed the Department of Corrections/the state is most responsible for reentry, while previously incarcerated respondents uniquely emphasized the importance of having self-discipline in this process. Participants who are incarcerated cited the most drastic reforms as being necessary to reform the system of any group. Overall, ideological differences based on which group respondents belonged to were evident.