Adult rehabilitation programs are rated as promising by Crime Solutions. The platform relied on a meta-analysis that found evidence that programs that included group work, cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, or models associated with specialized courts (e.g. drug courts) had a statistically significant impact in terms of reducing recidivism [1].
Transition houses are classified by Crime Solutions as a promising practice in that, according to a meta-analysis, they significantly reduce the likelihood of recidivism among former offenders (when compared to those who move directly from prison to the community through parole benefits) [2]. On the other hand, the so-called “daily notification centers” are classified as ineffective by this same platform based on another meta-analysis [3].
Promoting visits to prisons has been found to be associated with a 26% reduction in recidivism [4]. Family contact can significantly reduce an offender’s likelihood of recidivism, even when visits are conducted through video calls (although the evidence is mixed for recidivism in violent crimes, specifically) [5].
Regarding reentry programs, a meta-analysis evaluated by Crime Solutions found statistically significant reductions in recidivism for individuals (men and women) who participated in such programs, compared to individuals who did not (the treatment group had a recidivism rate of 47%, while the comparison group registered 53%) [6].