The UTC Graduate School is pleased to announce that Brenda Zaragoza will present Master's research titled, Reentry Roadblocks :Investigating the Unique Reintegration Challenges of Rural Ex-offenders on 06/21/2024 at 10:00AM in McCallie 450. Everyone is invited to attend. 

Criminal Justice

Chair: Dr. Courtney Crittenden

Co-Chair: 

Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to address the notable gap in the understanding of the unique reintegration challenges faced by rural ex-offenders, a population that is largely overlook in recent studies. This study aims to explore the specific barriers to successful reentry in rural settings, including limited access to employment opportunities, transportation, housing and social services. Additionally, this study seeks to examine the impact of sex on substance use patterns and perceptions, as well as on key reintegration factors such as employment, housing stability, and access to essential resources. Also, this study aims to provide updated and relevant data to inform more effective policy and programming approaches tailored to the needs of rural ex-offenders.