UC Irvine

Since 1984, the population of U.S. prisoners with life sentences has more than quadrupled, and the majority of these individuals will eventually be eligible for parole. As prisons have become increasingly overcrowded, policy efforts have emerged that encourage release for long-term prisoners. These policy shifts have resulted in the release of thousands of lifers over the past five years, an unprecedented number of long-term prisoners reentering communities across the United States.

Despite these trends, the research literature on prisoner reentry focuses almost exclusively on younger prisoners who have spent relatively little time behind bars. Lifers are likely to differ from these individuals in a variety of ways. Although they are less likely to recidivate, lifers are more likely to experience challenges in gaining employment, reestablishing social networks, and adapting to new technology. Research is needed on the reentry programs that best meet lifers’ needs.

This thesis uses data from a sample of paroled lifers in Los Angeles, California, to systematically understand lifers’ reentry needs and examine the factors associated with successful community reintegration. It contributes to the research literature on reentry and offers policy recommendations for organizations that provide reentry services for this population of ex-offenders.