The Five Rs of Prison Reform With Ethnoracially Diverse Offenders

There are various barriers associated with successful reentry into society for individuals released from prison. Reuniting with family members, rehabilitation efforts, employment, and housing are just some examples of obstacles individuals face when released into the community. Additionally, the costs stemming from the number of people incarcerated, length of stay in prison, racial disparities, and the mental status of offenders create an increased risk for post-release readjustment complications. This chapter focuses on what we call the Pentagonal Post-Release Risk Assessment Framework, or the 5 Rs, which include consideration for risk association of recidivism, reunification, rehabilitation, reintegration, and racism. For individuals released back into the community, it is imperative to consider the 5 Rs. Neglecting one or more of the 5 Rs may perpetuate a cycle of reoffending.