Are reoffense outcomes consistent with inmate and staff perceptions of therapeutic community practice? A mixed-methods analysis

Abstract Mixed methods were used to assess recidivism and program fidelity in a prison-based therapeutic community (TC). Propensity score matching on demographic, general risk, and substance dependency ratings resulted in 83 TC participants being compared with 104 inmates on recidivism. Scales were used to rank TC use of community, feedback, confrontation, and other areas by a purposeful sample of senior TC inmates (n = 20), In addition, qualitative open-ended interview questions on TC programming features, quality, and operation were asked of the 20 TC inmates and TC staff (n = 14). General and violent recidivism were less for the TC group. Inmate scale ratings confirmed the presence of key TC features, as did open-ended responses.