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Understanding Reentry in Indiana

  • Writer: Jen Nugent
    Jen Nugent
  • Apr 15
  • 4 min read

As spring nears and Easter eggs are hidden for eager children, the season also brings hope and a sense of renewal. April has been declared the Second Chance month, offering a fresh start for those seeking change in their lives. On April 9th, 2025, Governor Mike Braun signed an executive order focused on reducing the number of incarcerated Hoosiers who return to prison after their release, also known as recidivism. The importance of sustained and appropriate support for justice-involved individuals has garnered attention from both the Governor of Indiana and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which published an article in February 2024 highlighting the critical need for such support systems. The CDC states, “Programs can leverage the cooperation, expertise, and resources of health departments, community organizations, and correctional facilities, to help reduce further justice involvement and barriers to continuity of care.” There are many reasons to support these programs, two of which are:

  1. Financial Implications - Indiana spends about $1 billion annually on incarceration and criminal correction (Indiana 2nd Chance), a large portion of taxpayer money that could be used for prevention instead of correction.

  2. Health Outcomes - “Recidivism affects families, especially children, who often experience psychological strain, behavioral issues, school problems, financial hardship, and increased risk of criminal activity.” (National Institute of Justice).  


As of 2023, Indiana has an estimated 150,000 individuals involved in the Justice system According to the Prison Policy Initiative - Indiana profile | Prison Policy Initiative.   


(Graph: Leah Wang, May 2023) Prison Policy Initiative | www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/correctionalcontrol2023.html
(Graph: Leah Wang, May 2023) Prison Policy Initiative | www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/correctionalcontrol2023.html

The Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) defines recidivism as an individual returning to incarceration within three years of their release from a state correctional institution. Recidivism is a preventable issue, which is why healthcare institutions/organizations should prioritize supporting previously justice-involved individuals. This subject has been examined and refined over many years. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, it has been estimated that:

  • Approximately 2,876 people are released from local jails each day in Indiana.   

  • Approximately 36 - 38.2% Hoosiers recidivate. 


Justice involvement is associated with an elevated risk of chronic illnesses following release. Many individuals receive a diagnosis of chronic disease during incarceration, either due to lack of prior healthcare access or because of conditions experienced while incarcerated. The Prison Policy Initiative reports that the prevalence of chronic conditions in state prisons has risen since 2004. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University presented the following statistics in 2023.



While IDOC has made significant progress in reducing recidivism within its jurisdictional limits, there is still a gap in addressing recidivism among individuals who do not enter the IDOC system. Justice-involved individuals may be housed in local jails to serve brief sentences or remain in custody pending trial. Alternatively, others are assigned to community-based programs such as probation or community corrections. Individuals in local jails are disadvantaged compared to those in the IDOC system because their release dates are often unknown. This leaves individuals unprepared to reenter the community after release. 


Barriers to reentry faced by justice-involved individuals include:

  • Housing – Many landlords do not allow convictions. 

  • Employment – Stigmas attached to the convictions.

  • Education – Lack of support for continuing education.

  • Accessible healthcare – Immediate access upon release.

  • Transportation - To healthcare and required appointments.



Indiana Department of Corrections has taken initiatives with in-house programs for pre-released individuals; however, those held in local jails face disadvantages such as lack of programs, uncertainty about release dates, and frequent turnover among inmates. Community supervision programs for justice-involved individuals have basic conditions; failure to meet them is a technical violation and may lead to jail or prison time. Individuals in community supervision programs are more likely to reoffend due to technical violations than because of new criminal arrests.  


Technical offenses can include:

  • Failure to pay community supervision fees.

  • Failure to report to probation.

  • Failure to complete required treatment/classes.

  • Failure to submit to drug screens/polygraphs.

  • Submitting a positive drug screen.

  • Failure to retain legal employment.

  • Failure to maintain a verifiable address. 


Technical violations represent the primary contributor to recidivism but are also preventable. According to Indiana Criminal Justice Data Snapshot, “In 2021, 67% of parole violation admissions were for technical violations.” Organizations throughout Indiana are dedicated to help prevent technical violations and reduce reoffending. Quick access to healthcare after jail, especially for those with mental health needs, is crucial to lowering recidivism; gaps in care can lead people to self-medicate or obtain medication illegally. It takes a comprehensive community approach to support justice-involved individuals transition successfully into the community. From healthcare organizations to non-profits to IDOC, it is crucial to building partnerships to equip justice-involved individuals with resources to support their success.  


What resources are currently available for individuals involved with the justice system:

Resources:

Jen Nugent has over 20 years in social services assisting those in need of community resources. She is currently a Program Coordinator with expertise in Medicaid and community-based programs in Indiana. She was born and raised on the east side of Indianapolis, Indiana. She enjoys spending time with her husband of 25 years and her 3 children.   


Summit Managed Solutions is a management consulting and professional services firm that partners with healthcare organizations across the private, public, and social sectors to create value. By providing comprehensive solution management and inclusive business operation services, Summit helps deliver specific, transformative outcomes. With consulting and managed service offerings, Summit helps partners overcome the critical challenges associated with people, process, and technology, while providing partners with flexibility, reliability, and innovation that will propel growth.

 
 
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