Redeeming communities: Restorative offender reentry in a risk-centric society.

Source: (2012) Victims & offenders. 7(1):97-120.

Released prisoners present problems for communities to manage. The Federal Government’s prisoner reentry initiative funded States (beginning in 2001 and again in 2008) to develop reentry projects. Vermont utilized its existing municipal community justice apparatus to create reentry programs which involve community members in providing support for returning offenders. Using qualitative data analysis, this paper examines the extent to which the Vermont programs embody Bazemore and Maruna’s (2009) concept of “restorative reentry.” Specifically, this paper explores the dual missions of restorative justice and reintegration. In conclusion, the context of a risk-centric society is explored as creating special complications for reintegration processes. (Published Abstract)