In a chapter on the reentry process, the characteristics of those released from prison to return to their home communities are described, followed by an explanation of how release decisions are made. Also discussed in this chapter are how prison staff and community resource providers prepare inmates for release and reintegration into the community. Other topics addressed in this chapter are the moment of release, postrelease supervision, and parole violation. Another chapter focuses on the challenges for prisoner reentry. The most daunting challenges commonly confronted by released prisoners and those who supervise and provide services to them are substance abuse, physical and mental health, employability and workforce participation, and housing. This is followed by a chapter on the implication of prisoner reentry for families and communities. The concluding chapter considers the ultimate objectives of the reentry process. Public safety is identified as an essential measure of a successful reentry, so the monograph identifies the safety risks posed by returning prisoners, along with interventions that have proven effective in reducing their reoffending. In the course of such interventions, however, objectives other than the prevention of reoffending occur, such as gains in public health, reductions in levels of drug use in a community, improved worker productivity, and improvements in child development and parent-child relationships. Successful reentry can also create a new sense of civic attachment for both the returning prisoners and those involved in their transition. This broader view of prisoner reentry suggests that the ultimate goal is best viewed as social reintegration, not just reductions in reoffending. 236 references