Journal of Legal Research

Journal of Legal Research

Evaluating the Role and Performance of Formal and Informal Social Organizations in Recidivism Prevention, with Emphasis on Social Reintegration Programs for Offenders After Prison Release (Case Study: Social and Support Organizations Supervised by the Judiciary)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Shahnaz Haghipour 1
Ghodratallah Khosroshahi 2
Mohammad Hossein Pouryani 3
1 Department of Law, Naraq Branch, Islamic Azad University, Naraq, Iran.
2 Department of Law, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3 Department of Sociology, Narag Branch, Islamic Azad University, Narag, Iran.
10.48300/jlr.2024.410051.2459
Abstract
This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the role and performance of formal and informal social organizations in recidivism prevention, focusing on the efficacy of social reintegration programs for offenders after release from prison. The obtained results indicate that the implementation of international norms, as well as the provision of post-imprisonment assistance and support related to community reentry - as two components of social reintegration programs - do not have a significant impact on reducing recidivism. In contrast, post-release supervision of offenders and early release programs demonstrate greater effectiveness in preventing recidivism. Based on the evaluation of formal and informal social organizations, the ranking of the importance of social reintegration programs within the prison environment, in order, includes: early release programs, offender supervision, post-release assistance and community reentry, and finally, the implementation of international norms. The overall evaluation of these organizations' performance indicates that their level of participation and effectiveness in implementing social reintegration programs for offenders after release is at a relatively satisfactory yet not particularly strong level. The findings overall reveal that the role of social organizations in reducing recidivism requires serious strengthening and revision of programs and intervention methods.
Keywords
Social Reintegration of Offenders
Prison
Formal and Informal Social Organizations
Recidivism Prevention
Post-Release Supervision
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Journal of Legal Research
Volume 24, Issue 64
Winter 2026
Pages 191-214