In 1974, Robert Martinson authored a report on the efficacy of rehabilitation in correctional systems in the United States and in which he famously concluded "nothing works." This meta-analysis, now known as the "nothing works" doctrine, has been credited with disrupting and discrediting the rehabilitative ideal in corrections. Researchers have critiqued the pessimistic "nothing works" philosophy and have since shown that some correctional interventions positively impact recidivism using correctional science (Cullen 2013; Cullen and Gendreau 2001; Cullen and Gilbert 2012; and Gendreau and Ross 1987). I seek to contribute to this long-standing dialogue by examining if community-based organizations are better positioned to provide rehabilitative programming compared to CDCR's institutionalized programs.
