New research finds 40 percent of inmates returned to prison

By Globe Staff

Nearly four out of 10 Massachusetts prison inmates released in 2002 returned to prison within three years, according to new research by the Urban Institute and the state Department of Correction.

Thirty-nine percent of the 1,786 inmates released that year returned, compared with the national average of 53 percent.

Interviews with 178 of those who returned showed that substance use and employment instability were among their greatest challenges when they were back in the community, the Urban Institute said in a statement.

While they were incarcerated, 96 percent of those interviewed had participated in a prison program and 76 percent had received help preparing to return to society. But when they returned to the community, few used any local programs or services, researchers found.

The research highlighted the need for programs to be provided to inmates when they return to society, officials said.

"When the inmates get out and go back to their communities, they need assistance in the community, particularly with substance abuse (problems) and employment. ... They just start to unravel without those supports," said Rhiana Kohl, who was a co-author on the two studies for the Department of Correction.

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