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Prison rehabilitation programs and recidivism: evidence from variations in availability

Author

Listed:
  • Steeve Marchand

    (Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research, The University of Melbourne)

  • Guy Lacroix

    (Department of Economics, Universit´e Laval)

  • William Arbour

    (Department of Economics, University of Toronto)

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that incarceration can improve the social reintegration of inmates in some circumstances. Yet, the mechanisms through which incarceration may favor rehabilitation remain largely unknown. This paper exploits variations in program availability in Quebec (Canada) to estimate their effects on recidivism. We find that reintegration programs can substantially decrease the probability of future incarceration. However, this is mitigated by an increase in the probability of future community sentences, though these are associated with less serious offenses. Programs addressing self-development, violent behavior, or education and employment deficiencies exhibit strong effects. Conversely, those focusing on addiction issues and other program types are not found to affect recidivism. These results suggest that specific rehabilitation programs can explain the beneficial effects of incarceration found in the literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Steeve Marchand & Guy Lacroix & William Arbour, 2023. "Prison rehabilitation programs and recidivism: evidence from variations in availability," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2023n07, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.
    • Handle: RePEc:iae:iaewps:wp2023n07
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    File URL: https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/4624434/wp2023n07.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    incarceration; recidivism; rehabilitation programs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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