The Ambiguity of Prevention: Addressing
Programmatic Concerns of a Young Adult Reentry Population
Judith Ryder, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, St.
John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Abstract: Despite the size and
wealth of New York City, less than a dozen agencies focus on the
needs of people with a history of criminal justice involvement, and
also provide interventions that target substance abuse, HIV and
Hepatitis C simultaneously. With over 14,000 young people (18-24)
annually returning to New York City from the jail system alone, the
number of people at-risk for substance abuse and the concomitant
health risks of HIV and Hepatitis C strain an already over-burdened
group of service providers.
This research examines attitudes and concerns of young adults
recruited for prevention services upon returning home from prison
or jail. Based on data from a needs assessment, young adults’
attitudes and concerns about prevention are contrasted with those
of service providers. While young adults want evidence of the
value of programs they are asked to attend and seek demonstrable
confirmation of their achievements, prevention programs typically
have difficulty meeting this standard; by its very nature,
prevention averts an event which has not happened. Recommendations
are offered for increasing the volume and altering the nature of
prevention services to more closely address the needs of young
adults who have a history of criminal justice involvement.