Citation

Bares KJ, Mowen TJ. Crime Delinq. 2020; 66(6-7): 1023-1051.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0011128719881599

PMID

34262221

Abstract

Emerging research has shown that the parole officer, much like friends and family, can be an important source of social support for returning persons. While this body of literature is growing, existing research provides little insight into understanding how specific types (e.g., interpersonal and/or professional) of parole officer support matter. Using panel data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative, results of mixed-effects models demonstrate that greater levels of parole officer support are associated with decreased odds of reincarceration. Furthermore, parole officer professional support (e.g., providing correct information) exerts a more robust effect than interpersonal support (e.g., listening and caring).

FINDINGS suggest policy makers should consider programming to strengthen the professional relationship between the parole officer and returning person.

Language: en

Keywords

social support; community corrections; parole officer; prison reentry