Recidivism and Re-entry Into Prison in Brazil: What Studies Say About the Factors That Contribute to This Trajectory
Groundbreaking research by the Igarapé Institute analyzes the determinants of re-entry into the Brazilian prison system
The Igarapé Institute has published a systematic review of the Brazilian academic literature that seeks to understand the main vulnerabilities individuals face at different stages of their interaction with the criminal justice system, along with an investigation into re-entry influencing factors. Titled “SP 56 – Recidivism and Re-entry Into Prison in Brazil: What Studies Say About the Factors That Contribute to This Trajectory”, the study highlights that some of the most prevalent factors in studies regarding re-entry are the fragility of family ties, lack of income, especially in the first month post-release, and the absence of public policies to support processes such as issuing documents and providing professional training.
The findings analyzed in the research indicate that the experience of recidivism develops gradually, emphasizing that solely examining the moment after incarceration provides an incomplete picture of the situation. It is crucial to consider the individual’s journey prior to, during, and post-incarceration/confinement to gain a thorough grasp of how the reiteration of criminal acts is shaped in reality and why policies aimed at formerly incarcerated individuals tend to present limited results.
What we found is that recidivists face a significant accumulation of disadvantages before, during, and after incarceration, making it extremely difficult to change course upon release. Recidivism mirrors the flaws within the criminal justice system, highlighting the necessity of connecting preventive measures that intervene prior to incarceration, especially during childhood and adolescence, with those available post-release.
The study is available on the Portal para Liberdade, an initiative by the Igarapé Institute in partnership with the National Council of Justice, through the Fazendo Justiça Program (CNJ/PNUD/DEPEN) and the Network for the Support of Former Prisoners of the Rio de Janeiro Prison System (RAESP-RJ). The portal gathers articles and documents related to formerly incarcerated individuals in Brazil, a study of public sector and civil society organizations focused on supporting former justice-impacted individuals, among other information.
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