New Study Shows Short-Term Cash Aid Can Reduce Parole Violations for Released Inmates

A Groundbreaking Study on Cash Aid and Parole Violations

A recent independent study conducted by MDRC has revealed significant findings regarding short-term cash assistance's impact on former inmates. The study focuses on the Returning Citizens Stimulus (RCS) program, initiated by the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). This program has made a substantial impact on reducing parole violations and aiding the reintegration of individuals formerly incarcerated.

RCS Program Overview

Launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RCS program provided direct cash assistance of up to $2,750 to formerly incarcerated individuals nationwide who were previously excluded from federal stimulus aid. The program successfully assisted over 10,000 individuals, linking them to essential services through a collaborative network of partners, which played a crucial role in their transition back into society.

Key Findings from the Study

One of the standout findings of the study is a 41% reduction in parole violations among RCS participants when compared to a control group. Specifically, only 8% of those who received the cash assistance violated parole, contrasted with 14% of individuals in the comparison group. Furthermore, the study highlighted a staggering 64% drop in violent parole violations — down to 0.99% among RCS participants from 2.77% among their counterparts.

The research suggests that the RCS program may have positively influenced re-incarceration rates as well, with effective results noted even 30 months after the initial release. This evidence points towards a strong connection between short-term financial support and improved long-term outcomes for individuals reentering the community.

Implications and Future Directions

These findings underscore the vital importance of providing immediate financial support to formerly incarcerated individuals. Sam Schaeffer, CEO of CEO, emphasizes the need for tangible assistance at the outset of reentry. According to him, empowering individuals with autonomy in their reintegration journey leads to remarkable achievements.

The implications of such financial assistance extend beyond improving individual lives; they may also contribute to decreasing overall incarceration rates and significant savings for taxpayers. Parole and probation violations contributed to nearly 27% of all admissions to state and federal prisons in 2025, costing taxpayers over $10 billion annually. Hence, investing in programs like RCS could reposition the resources directed toward punitive systems to more supportive avenues.

Sarah Picard, Director of the MDRC Center for Criminal Justice Research, highlights the RCS program as a promising model for intervention that enhances reentry success rates during the critical initial year after release. This reinforces the push for evidence-based strategies centered around cash assistance as a way to facilitate smoother transitions back into society.

Conclusion

The MDRC study presents a compelling case for reevaluating how we support individuals released from incarceration. Cash assistance programs like RCS not only foster stability and reduce recidivism but also pave the way for more comprehensive criminal justice reform focused on rehabilitation. As policymakers consider new avenues for addressing the complexities of incarceration and its aftermath, prioritizing immediate and impactful support for returning citizens will be essential to build healthier communities and reduce overall costs associated with punitive measures.