Longitudinal Evaluation of the Second Chance Act (SCA) Adult Demonstration Program
A follow-up to SPR’s randomized control trial impact study of first-round Second Chance Act (SCA) Adult Demonstration Program grantees, this study examines the long-term impacts on employment and recidivism of this prisoner reentry program, 8–10 years after participants were first enrolled.
Project Highlights
Second Chance programs
are administered by the National Institute of Justice with the goal of reducing recidivism and improving employment rates through reentry services.
In 2018, SPR joined NORC and MDRC
to conduct a randomized control trial impact study of seven first-round grantees. We found modest impacts on employment for program participants over the study period.
In 2020, NORC and SPR
were hired by the National Institute of Justice to examine the long-term impacts of the SCA program. Our research will provide NIJ with important lessons around long-term findings for re-entry programs.
“In the second year after random assignment, the SCA program group reported consistently higher employment rates and, towards the end of the observation period, earned 83 percent more than the control group."
Key findings from our original impact study and cost study
Our research found that the program group was significantly more likely than the control group to receive many different services. These included a reentry plan, a case manager whom they trusted, job search assistance, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other needed services.
We also found that participants in the program group had better longer-term employment and earnings. In the second year after random assignment, the SCA program group reported consistently higher employment rates and, toward the end of the observation period, earned 83% more than the control group.
In the 30 months following random assignment, those in the program group were no less likely to be rearrested, reconvicted or re-incarcerated.
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Evaluation Report
Evaluation of the Second Chance Act (SCA) Adult Demonstration Project: Interim Report
Evaluation Report
An Evaluation of Seven Second Chance Act Adult Demonstration Programs: Impact Findings at 18 Months
Evaluation Report
Evaluation of Seven Second Chance Act Adult Demonstration Programs: Impact Findings at 30 Months
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Learn more about Evaluation of the Strong Field Project to End Domestic Violence![]()
Explore our projects
Longitudinal Evaluation of the Second Chance Act (SCA) Adult Demonstration Program
Learn more about Longitudinal Evaluation of the Second Chance Act (SCA) Adult Demonstration Program![]()
