Prisons as a place of reintegration? Insight into the reintegration process and problems in the Netherlands

Abstract Approximately 23 000 adults are released from a correctional institution in the Netherlands every year. Since recidivism rates are high in the period immediately after release, Dutch aftercare policies have focused on improving the reintegration process by addressing structural and personal factors associated with (re)offending. In this study we combine data from a national aftercare monitor for all adults released in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and a longitudinal, qualitative study on the experiences of 100 (formerly) imprisoned individuals during their reintegration process. We find that a substantial group experience problems with employment, income, housing, and debts after release. Individuals experience barriers to the labor market due to criminal records and limited formal support following release from prison. This raises questions about the function of prisons as a place of reintegration.