--- title: The Science of Successful Reentry Programs description: Discover five strategies to use during an individual’s time in the justice system that have been shown to have positive results.  image: https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/Blog%20Graphics/AdobeStock_297854166.jpeg --- [Technical Support](https://support.changecompanies.net/?hsLang=en) [Contact Sales](https://go.changecompanies.net/contact?hsLang=en) Search changecompanies.net About Us [About](https://changecompanies.net/about?hsLang=en) [Leadership](https://changecompanies.net/about?hsLang=en#leadership) [Advisors](https://changecompanies.net/about?hsLang=en#advisors) [Contact Us](https://go.changecompanies.net/contact?hsLang=en) [Careers](https://changecompanies.net/careers?hsLang=en) [![The Change Companies Logo](https://844aa8d177dcf87d02fc-8f72bb99f02c2e7ec80fe67c19b57c36.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/newsite/TCClogo_website.png)](https://blog.changecompanies.net/) - Products Products [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Atlas%20favicon.png?width=28&height=28&name=Atlas%20favicon.png) Atlas: Behavior Change Platform Helps agencies and providers drive measurable behavior change, so fewer people return to custody or use.](https://changecompanies.net/atlas?hsLang=en) [Sessions Plan check-ins and groups, capture notes, and track delivery fidelity, all tied to case and treatment plans.](https://changecompanies.net/atlas-sessions) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Email%20Graphics/Icons%20and%20Thumbnails/Small-Icon-Template_FeaturedArticle.png?width=28&height=28&name=Small-Icon-Template_FeaturedArticle.png) *Interactive Journaling®* Evidence-based expressive writing that blends MI, CBT, and the stages of change to guide lasting change.](https://changecompanies.net/interactive-journaling) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/DCP%20and%20Atlas/Treatment%20and%20Recovery%20Icon.png?width=28&height=28&name=Treatment%20and%20Recovery%20Icon.png) Clinical Assessments DSM-5 and ASAM Criteria–compatible tools for diagnosis, placement, and service planning, with Evince.](https://shop.changecompanies.net/collections/clinical-assesments) Training [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Email%20Graphics/Icons%20and%20Thumbnails/Small-Icon-Template_BoosterTraining.png?width=28&height=28&name=Small-Icon-Template_BoosterTraining.png) Curriculum Training Train facilitators on the key skills that make *Interactive Journaling®* most effective.](https://changecompanies.net/training?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/FP%20and%20Training/BasicFidelity-Icon.png?width=28&height=28&name=BasicFidelity-Icon.png) Self-paced Learning The Fidelity Platform: online, self-paced training that upskills facilitators on their schedule.](https://changecompanies.net/fidelity-platform?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Homepage/ASAM%20logo-2.png?width=28&height=28&name=ASAM%20logo-2.png) The ASAM Criteria Open enrollment trainings from Train for Change on ASAM skills, implementation, and CARF certification.](https://changecompanies.net/asam?hsLang=en) - Solutions [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Solutions/Industry%20Icons/Adult%20treatment.png?width=28&height=28&name=Adult%20treatment.png) Behavioral Health Client-centered resources that boost engagement and scale ASAM-aligned treatment planning.](https://changecompanies.net/behavioral-health) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Solutions/Industry%20Icons/Adolescent%20treatment.png?width=28&height=28&name=Adolescent%20treatment.png) Community Corrections Risk-need-responsive tools for probation, parole, diversion, and reentry, without adding staff burden.](https://changecompanies.net/community-corrections) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Solutions/Industry%20Icons/Juvenile%20justice.png?width=28&height=28&name=Juvenile%20justice.png) Correctional Institutions Evidence-based programming that promotes prosocial change and streamlines reentry.](https://changecompanies.net/prison-jail) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Solutions/Industry%20Icons/Treatment%20Courts.png?width=28&height=28&name=Treatment%20Courts.png) Juvenile Justice Age-appropriate resources that boost motivation, support case plans, and reduce recidivism.](https://changecompanies.net/solutions-for-juvenile-justice?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Pages/Homepage/ASAM%20logo-2.png?width=28&height=28&name=ASAM%20logo-2.png) The ASAM Criteria Learning pathways that help clinicians and agencies implement the ASAM Criteria at every level of care.](https://changecompanies.net/asam?hsLang=en) - Resources [Blog](https://blog.changecompanies.net/?hsLang=en) [Case Studies](https://changecompanies.net/case-studies) [Grant Support](https://changecompanies.net/grant-support?hsLang=en) [Webinars](https://changecompanies.net/webinars?hsLang=en) [Resource Center](https://changecompanies.net/resourcecenter) [Motivational Interviewing](https://changecompanies.net/motivational-interviewing?hsLang=en) [Pre/Post-tests](https://changecompanies.net/prepost-tests?hsLang=en) [Tips and Topics](https://changecompanies.net/tipsandtopics?hsLang=en) [Technical Support](https://support.changecompanies.net/?hsLang=en) - Login [Atlas](https://changecompanies.app) [Store Account](https://shop.changecompanies.net/account) [eTraining](https://legacy.changecompanies.net/account/login.php) [Fidelity Platform](https://fidelity.changecompanies.net/login) [Get an Atlas Demo](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo?hsLang=en) [Shop Journals](https://shop.changecompanies.net) [Atlas Demo](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo?hsLang=en) [![The Change Companies Logo](https://844aa8d177dcf87d02fc-8f72bb99f02c2e7ec80fe67c19b57c36.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/newsite/TCClogo_website.png)](https://blog.changecompanies.net/) Search changecompanies.net [Get an Atlas Demo](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo?hsLang=en) [Shop Journals](https://shop.changecompanies.net) Open main menu Close main menu [Best Practices](https://blog.changecompanies.net/tag/best-practices) [Justice Services](https://blog.changecompanies.net/tag/justice-services) # The Science of Successful Reentry Programs ![The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Social%20Media%20Logo.png?width=45&name=Social%20Media%20Logo.png) [The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/author/the-change-companies) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.changecompanies.net/the-science-of-successful-reentry-programs) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.changecompanies.net/the-science-of-successful-reentry-programs) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.changecompanies.net/the-science-of-successful-reentry-programs) ![](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/Blog%20Graphics/AdobeStock_297854166.jpeg) The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) recently shared [its findings on successful reentry](https://nij.ojp.gov/multimedia/director-la-vigne-discusses-evidence-based-strategies-successful-reentry), including these five essential strategies: 1\. When it comes to reentry programming, one size does not fit all. Tailoring materials to the demographics, needs and risk factors of each individual is essential for participant success and positive outcomes. NIJ determined that separate gender-responsive materials for men and women – instead of “neutral,” generalized materials – also lead to more successful participant outcomes.  2\. Aim for support services to be holistic. It's important to address multiple needs of participants, giving each individual as many skills as possible to utilize when they return to the community. 3\. Remember the importance of family and support systems. Regular family contact in positive environments is significant for successful reentry. 4\. Programs that incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are widely effective.  > *“If there's one specific type of intervention that the literature has found to be effective in supporting successful reentry above all others, it's programs that include a cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT component. CBT can* > >  *help individuals recognize past and current negative patterns of behaviors and decision making, helping them restore self-esteem and imparting tools and strategies to make more positive life choices.”* > > *– Nancy La Vigne, Director of the National Institute of Justice* 5\. Community supervision works best when it combines both traditional surveillance functions and additional support and coaching functions. Officers trained in a coaching methodology that focuses on the individual’s talents, skills, abilities and support networks – not just their risks and needs – can build more successful partnerships with those returning to the community after incarceration.  Applying these strategies throughout an individual’s time in the justice system has been shown to have positive results.  Many of the evidence-based programs created at The Change Companies are specifically designed to support success in reentry and reduce recidivism in incarcerated populations. Our knowledgeable team partners with you to address the needs of your population.[*Interactive Journaling*®](https://changecompanies-20881724.hs-sites.com/interactive-journaling) materials draw from a range of evidence-based components, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and expressive writing.   Fill the form to learn how [Atlas](https://changecompanies.net/atlas)accesses the journals and use these tools to improve staff efficiency:   [![Discover Atlas Improving client engagement and motivation to change by 90%; Giving staff back 1 day/ week.   See how Atlas supports assessment, planning, intervention, documentation and measurement in a fully integrated system.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20881724/interactive-210836473477.png)](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLoKz%2B9AHqjknNujPv9kLLB2kXuYjnQwVQnBHTKl%2FddiT2TCaKmu6ziZWbJD1Wp1EkhhdbTuwNEdJnnZrc401xAFMdIibEaEft1ww8OcU2qVcLitPb4ijoeQCFI7AQFgregi8MigiIxgZfQ%2Ft14CVKV2K9mKCIH%2BNVozAZgT3kjSgEOhOexC%2F2aLKXi%2Fr0%2BBFVwhsQL1Dw5vVAzNgc%3D&webInteractiveContentId=210836473477&portalId=20881724) ![The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Social%20Media%20Logo.png?width=150&name=Social%20Media%20Logo.png) #### The Change Companies For over 30 years, The Change Companies has delivered cutting-edge behavior change tools to over 26 million individuals in addiction treatment and justice services. We combine the latest change research with end-user feedback to continually improve the design and delivery of innovative solutions, such as our evidence-based practice of Interactive Journaling®, our programming platform, Atlas, and our live and on-demand skills-based training programs. [![The Change Companies](https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/Internal/Logos/Primary_Logo_Stacked_White.png)](https://changecompanies.net/) Developing evidence-based solutions that help people make positive life changes. ##### Products [Interactive Journaling®](https://changecompanies.net/interactive-journaling) [Atlas: Programming Platform](https://changecompanies.net/atlas?hsLang=en) [Clinical Assessments](https://shop.changecompanies.net/collections/clinical-assesments) ##### Solutions [Behavioral Health](https://changecompanies.net/behavioral-health) [Community Corrections](https://changecompanies.net/community-corrections) [Correctional Institutions](https://changecompanies.net/prison-jail) [Opioid Abatement](https://changecompanies.net/opioid-abatement?hsLang=en) [Juvenile Justice](https://changecompanies.net/solutions-for-juvenile-justice?hsLang=en) ##### Login [Atlas](https://changecompanies.app) [Store Account](https://shop.changecompanies.net/account) [eTraining](https://legacy.changecompanies.net/account/login.php) [Fidelity Platform](https://fidelity.changecompanies.net/login) ##### Support [Submit a Ticket](https://go.changecompanies.net/bug-issue) [Technical Support](https://support.changecompanies.net/) ##### Resources [Blog](https://blog.changecompanies.net/?hsLang=en) [Case Studies](https://changecompanies.net/case-studies) [Grant Support](https://changecompanies.net/grant-support?hsLang=en) [Webinars](https://changecompanies.net/webinars?hsLang=en) [Resource Center](https://changecompanies.net/resourcecenter) [Tips and Topics](https://changecompanies.net/tipsandtopics?hsLang=en) ##### Training [Curriculum Training](https://changecompanies.net/training?hsLang=en) [Self-paced Learning](https://changecompanies.net/fidelity-platform?hsLang=en) [The ASAM Criteria](https://changecompanies.net/asam?hsLang=en) ##### Subscribe Stay updated with our latest news and product releases. [Subscribe to Updates](https://share.hsforms.com/1u_jrRk3sTyWSKk-Yalo2zQcfkfw) ##### Ready to learn more? See how Atlas delivers behavior change for clients and AI-powered resources for staff. [Book an Atlas Demo →](https://changecompanies.net/atlas/demo) © 2026 The Change Companies. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://changecompanies.net/privacy-policy) [Terms of Use](https://changecompanies.net/terms-of-use) [(888) 889-8866](tel:18888898866) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "The Change Companies", "url" : "https://blog.changecompanies.net/author/the-change-companies" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-18T21:27:17.614Z", "datePublished" : "2023-04-24T18:12:54.000Z", "headline" : "The Science of Successful Reentry Programs", "image" : [ "https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/Blog%20Graphics/AdobeStock_297854166.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.changecompanies.net/the-science-of-successful-reentry-programs", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.changecompanies.net/hubfs/TCClogo_website.png" }, "name" : "The Change Companies" } } ```