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Abstract: 

Over the past few years, the Vermont Department of Corrections has been engaging and educating communities throughout the state about the importance of solid release planning for all offenders, including those with very violent histories. What differentiates Vermont’s response to reentry from traditional approaches across the country is its philosophical foundation of restorative-justice principles and community involvement. By providing returning offenders with high measures of support and accountability, the state effectively complements best correctional practices for a more successful reentry process for offenders. Increased citizen participation has resulted in diminishing public resistance toward offender reentry and the marginalization of returning offenders. The author explains how community involvement dramatically improves offenders’ potential for success and how this approach can lead to a significant reduction in recidivism.

Keywords: reentry; community outreach

Affiliations:  1: Vermont Department of Corrections.