Administrative Burdens in Correctional Programming

Although the increase in incarcerations has started to slow in recent years, over 1.2 million people are currently incarcerated in US prisons (Carson, 2023). Most incarcerated individuals will eventually be released. In this regard, the programs and experiences individuals encounter while incarcerated are intended to help them succeed post-release and reduce recidivism. Even with the programs currently in place though, 70% of those released reoffend within 5 years (U.S. Prison Population, 2019). Incarcerated individuals experience daily obstacles in obtaining the programs and services they need to be successful (Carson, 2022). These obstacles that residents (and all citizens) face are referred to as administrative burdens in the literature. Administrative burdens can be seen in many different processes; obtaining Medicaid, disability forms, taxes, financial aid, enrolling in foreclosure prevention programs, and so much more (Herd & Moynihan, 2020; Bell et al., 2022; Pierce & Moulton, 2023; Yates et al., 2021).