Rethinking the Reentry Paradigm

The perspective that this text will take presupposes that offender reentry is not a static isolated event, but a process that occurs over time. Moreover, if reentry policy and practice is contextualized as a process rather than as a finite event, preparation and planning can drive reentry, not a prison release date. Consequently, this text will discuss the issue of offender reentry in more global terms and locate solutions to reentry issues on a continuum of service that begins at entry to prison, includes release from prison, and culminates with integration into the community.

[A] … diligent summation of research and trends on this important topic … [T]he author analyzes the 'reentry paradigm' with data and insights any policy advocate or program operator would require … Recommended."
— CHOICE Magazine

"Schlager's book on reentry is by far the most comprehensive writing on this most important subject. I have taught this course multiple times and now there is finally a book that covers all of the topic areas necessary to provide students with an overview that will allow for critical thinking throughout the semester. In short, Professor Schlager has produced a gem of a book."
— Professor Mark Pogrebin, Ph.D., University of Colorado, Denver

"Every person in the criminal justice system who has anything to do with inmate reentry should read Melinda Schlager's Rethinking the Reentry Paradigm ... [A]n excellent read. Her call for a paradigm shift is real and meaningful."
— Art Beeler in Corrections Compendium

[A]n insightful and sobering illustration of the challenges offenders face upon reentry into the community."
— Criminal Justice Review

The author's casual writing style and sound recommendations to move forward in the area of offender reentry are built upon solid theoretical foundations ... Schlager has put forth a strong recommendation for offender reentry that, if realized and implemented, could significantly reduce recidivism, incareration rates, and enhance the stability of communities experiencing offender reentry."
— Criminal Law Bulletin