Evaluation of the Second Chance Act Program

Pub. L. 115–391, title V, § 507, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5235, provided that:

“(a)

Evaluation of the Second Chance Act Grant Program.—

Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 21, 2018], the National Institute of Justice shall evaluate the effectiveness of grants used by the Department of Justice to support offender reentry and recidivism reduction programs at the State, local, Tribal, and Federal levels. The National Institute of Justice shall evaluate the following:

“(1)

The effectiveness of such programs in relation to their cost, including the extent to which the programs improve reentry outcomes, including employment, education, housing, reductions in recidivism, of participants in comparison to comparably situated individuals who did not participate in such programs and activities.

“(2)

The effectiveness of program structures and mechanisms for delivery of services.

“(3)

The impact of such programs on the communities and participants involved.

“(4)

The impact of such programs on related programs and activities.

“(5)

The extent to which such programs meet the needs of various demographic groups.

“(6)

The quality and effectiveness of technical assistance provided by the Department of Justice to grantees for implementing such programs.

“(7)

Such other factors as may be appropriate.

“(b)

Authorization of Funds for Evaluation.—

Not more than 1 percent of any amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Second Chance Act grant program shall be made available to the National Institute of Justice each year to evaluate the processes, implementation, outcomes, costs, and effectiveness of the Second Chance Act grant program in improving reentry and reducing recidivism. Such funding may be used to provide support to grantees for supplemental data collection, analysis, and coordination associated with evaluation activities.

“(c)

Techniques.—

Evaluations conducted under this section shall use appropriate methodology and research designs. Impact evaluations conducted under this section shall include the use of intervention and control groups chosen by random assignment methods, to the extent possible.

“(d)

Metrics and Outcomes for Evaluation.—

“(1)

In general.—

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Institute of Justice shall consult with relevant stakeholders and identify outcome measures, including employment, housing, education, and public safety, that are to be achieved by programs authorized under the Second Chance Act grant program and the metrics by which the achievement of such outcomes shall be determined.

“(2)

Publication.—

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the National Institute of Justice identifies metrics and outcomes under paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall publish such metrics and outcomes identified.

“(e)

Data Collection.—

As a condition of award under the Second Chance Act grant program (including a subaward under section 3021(b) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10701(b))), grantees shall be required to collect and report to the Department of Justice data based upon the metrics identified under subsection (d). In accordance with applicable law, collection of individual-level data under a pledge of confidentiality shall be protected by the National Institute of Justice in accordance with such pledge.

“(f)

Data Accessibility.—

Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Institute of Justice shall—

“(1)

make data collected during the course of evaluation under this section available in de-identified form in such a manner that reasonably protects a pledge of confidentiality to participants under subsection (e); and

“(2)

make identifiable data collected during the course of evaluation under this section available to qualified researchers for future research and evaluation, in accordance with applicable law.

“(g)

Publication and Reporting of Evaluation Findings.—

The National Institute of Justice shall—

“(1)

not later than 365 days after the date on which the enrollment of participants in an impact evaluation is completed, publish an interim report on such evaluation;

“(2)

not later than 90 days after the date on which any evaluation is completed, publish and make publicly available such evaluation; and

“(3)

not later than 60 days after the completion date described in paragraph (2), submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate on such evaluation.

“(h)

Second Chance Act Grant Program Defined.—

In this section, the term ‘Second Chance Act grant program’ means any grant program reauthorized under this title [see section 501 of Pub. L. 115–391, set out as a Short Title of 2018 Amendment note under section 10101 of this title] and the amendments made by this title.”