“Knowing and Working With Someone Who Has Made It Means I’m Going to Make It Too”: Experiential Knowledge as a Catalyst for Transformation in Reentry and Beyond

Abstract

Of the 2.2 million adults incarcerated in the United States, between 600,000 and 700,000 return to society annually. The U.S. federal evaluations reveal over a quarter of these individuals are rearrested within 6 months, while studies in more than 40 states find that close to half are reincarcerated within 3 years. Recidivism rates reveal a pressing need to understand reentry from the perspective of those who have experienced it. This study analyzes interviews with previously incarcerated individuals, identifying four key categories of experiential knowledge: impact of clinical staff, re-entry programming staff, mentors, and founder’s experiences. Experiential knowledge, and understandings acquired through direct personal experience, emerge as pivotal in supporting successful reintegration. The discussion highlights its impact beyond reentry, aligning with individuals’ aspirations to help others. By emphasizing the significance of experiential knowledge, conclusions advocate for its integration into re-entry programs to enhance support and services for justice-involved individuals.