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Terms to Know

Navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system and related concepts can be daunting. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a student, or someone directly impacted by these concepts, this page is intended to help provide clear and concise explanations to enhance your understanding.

What is Recidivism?

Recidivism refers to the re-incarceration of an individual who has previously been involved with the justice system. Recidivism rates are often used as a measure of the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in rehabilitating offenders and reducing the likelihood of repeat offenses. High recidivism rates can indicate that the system may not be adequately addressing the root causes of criminal behavior or providing sufficient support and rehabilitation to help individuals reintegrate successfully after completing their sentence. 

What is Reentry?

Reentry involves the process of reintegrating back into society after a period of incarceration. Efforts to support successful reentry often involve providing resources and services aimed at addressing these challenges to those who are in the process of release, return and reintegration. This may include access to job training and employment assistance, housing support, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, educational opportunities, and community-based support programs.
 
Effective reentry programs are crucial for reducing recidivism rates and helping individuals reintegrate successfully into society. By providing the necessary support and assistance during the reentry process, communities can promote rehabilitation, reduce the likelihood of re-offending, and contribute to overall public safety.

What is System-Impacted?

System-impacted, or justice-involved are both terms that refer to individuals who have been directly affected by various aspects of the criminal justice system, either through personal involvement or close relationships with those who have experienced arrest and/or incarceration.
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