Study: Fewer Mass. prisoners returning to jail after release

BOSTON—A new report says former prisoners in Massachusetts are doing a much better job staying out of trouble than those in the rest of the nation.

A study by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and the Urban Institute found that 39 percent of the 1,786 male inmates released in 2002 were in prison again within three years.

That's compared with a national average of 53 percent.

While in prison, virtually all reported participating in at least one program and three-quarters had help preparing for the return to society.

Those who did land back in prison cited drug and alcohol abuse and trouble finding a steady job at the biggest reasons.