Recidivism Rates and What Can Be Done to Reduce Them

Recidivism isn't just a statistic—it's a reflection of how we as a society support (or fail to support) those reentering the world after incarceration. Too often, individuals are released with little more than a bag of belongings and a few phone numbers. What’s missing is a roadmap.

Reducing recidivism starts with preparation—before release. That means access to writing services, documentation support, resumes, job placement, and mentorship. It means surrounding people with a support system that believes in their capacity to change.

Programs like Next Chapter were created to fill in those gaps, not with vague promises, but with structure, intention, and lived experience. Recidivism doesn’t have to be the end of the story. With the right tools, it can be the turning point.