Taking Stock: An Overview of NIJ's Reentry Research Portfolio and Assessing the Impact of the Pandemic on Reentry Research

Over several decades, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has made significant contributions to the field of reentry, specifically what works for whom and when. In recent years, however, the global pandemic has made it increasingly difficult to conduct research on and with populations involved with the justice system. During this time, many researchers assessing various justice-related outcomes were unable to continue their inquiries as planned due to a lack of access to their populations of interest, forcing many to pivot and rethink their research designs.

During this panel, an overview of NIJ's reentry research portfolio is provided and researchers discuss their NIJ-funded reentry projects, the impact of the pandemic on the ability to conduct research, and lessons learned.

Speakers include:

• Eric D. Martin, Social Science Analyst, Technology and Standards Division, National Institute of Justice
• Christine Lindquist, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Director, Corrections and Reentry Program, RTI International
• Matthew Smith, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Michigan
• Holly Swan, Ph.D., Senior Associate, and Walter Campbell, Ph.D., Associate, Abt Associates