Taylor Eaton, Emily Katz
Travis Anderson
Antonella Hoffecker

Sponsor or Client: 

Title:

How does education from financial literacy programs impact the risk of recidivism for previously incarcerated individuals?

Abstract:

This protocol for a research study will conduct new research on how financial literacy programs in prison impact financial success post-incarceration and overall recidivism rates. This study will examine a convenience sample of 200 incarcerated adults in Arizona who will re-enter the community within four months of the study start date. Participants who have never grossed more than $50,000 annually will be recruited from the Coconino County Detention Facility, Eloy Detention Center, Central Arizona Detention Center, and Florence Correctional Center. Participants will be randomized into two groups, an experimental group receiving financial literacy classes and a control group who does not receive classes. We anticipate that those who participated in financial literacy classes will be able to manage their money more effectively. Therefore, individuals who were involved in financial literacy classes will be able to pay off Legal Financial Obligations (LFO’s) and consumer debt quicker, in addition to learning how to budget for living expenses upon release.