The 5-Key Model for Reentry
The 5-Key Model for Reentry™ translates the key ingredients of successful reentry into a flexible approach that can be implemented at different levels of intensity. Specialized enhancements are provided based on individual needs, which means resources are not wasted on a one-size-fits-all approach.
The 5-Key Model extends beyond simply helping people to find a job after prison, instead helping individuals address substance use and mental health challenges while building support and finding meaningful work in their communities.
The 5-Key Model can be implemented by a range of professionals working in a variety of settings, and is paired with modules of evidence-driven engagement and retention strategies to help those leaving prison show up, participate, and succeed. The 5-Key Model is based on an extensive research review of over 100,000 studies worldwide which found that, in general, there are five key ingredients to successful reentry. The 5-Key Model is a package of service approaches that addresses each of these ingredients as early as possible during an individual’s incarceration to help ease the transition and catalyze growth.
Why Adopt the 5-Key Model for Reentry™?
Hear from staff, residents, and peer facilitators about how the 5‐Key Model has shaped their lives, their work, and their outlook on the future.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY STAFF
FACILITY RESIDENTS
FACILITY RESIDENTS
Impact
The model has been implemented in prison systems across the country, with successful early indicators, including:
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- Reduced dangerous and disruptive behaviors
- Higher engagement and increased program completions
- Stronger decision‐making and conflict‐resolution skills
- Better workforce preparation and job retention
- Lower rates of recidivism among participants reentering their communities
Survey Data
From 2023 to 2025 within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, survey data shows:
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- 31% decrease in use of force
- 33% decrease in total staff assaults
- 99% decrease in serious injury assaults
- 7,914% increase in program participation
Peer Facilitators & Testimonials
The 5‐Key Model includes training for residents to serve as Peer Facilitators who co‐lead programming with peers and correctional facility staff to deepen learning, strengthen engagement, and improve relationships — both among residents and between residents and correctional facility staff.
Hear how serving as a Peer Facilitator improves relationships, promotes personal growth, and creates a more stable, supportive environment for staff and for residents navigating reentry.
Testimonials
“Everything you can think of that I’ve ever struggled with, there’s literally a class for it. We’re here in prison; there is a lot of classes offered, but there isn’t a program like the 5-Keys that can cover every area of your life that you’re struggling with. And, having peer facilitators makes it that much more relatable, and it makes it a lot more comfortable to learn, open up and share and participate.” – RESIDENT
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“I’ve also taken other programs because of this program…Now I know what I need to address and how to plan. It’s such a network.” –PEER FACILITATOR
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“Everything that we talk about is useful…For example, I’ll be having an argument with my husband and realize that I responded aggressively.” – CORRECTIONAL FACILITY STAFF
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“I’ve seen a lot of changes from a lot of people in this room. For several individuals that have been here a long time…they’re just planting the seeds throughout the entire facility for all the peer facilitators and it’s just nice to see that it’s gonna keep going. Because they’re getting younger people involved in all the programming so it’s just building.” – CORRECTIONAL FACILITY STAFF
The 5-Key Model study is a randomized controlled trial, also referred to as an experimental or clinical trial, which is the gold standard research approach when examining interventions for human beings, whether the intervention is medical, pharmaceutical, or behavioral in nature.
Since May 2018, the study has enrolled 2,384 incarcerated individuals from more than 100 correctional facilities into the 5-Key Model study – 1,192 of whom were randomly assigned to receive the 5-Key Model across 7 states with the other 50% as a comparison group who did not receive any 5-Key Model interventions (these individuals released from prison and received existing services while incarcerated and in then in their communities).
5-Key Model for Reentry Pilot Test
The 5-Key Model pilot was a longitudinal randomized controlled trial launched through the Institute for Justice Research & Development (founded by Dr. Carrie Pettus in 2018) at Florida State University
The study enrolled 2,384 incarcerated individuals from more than 100 correctional facilities into the 5-Key Model study – 1,192 of whom were randomly assigned to receive the 5-Key Model across 7 states with the other 50% as a comparison group who did not receive any 5-Key Model interventions (these individuals released from prison and received existing services while incarcerated and in then in their communities).
Pettus and her research team gathered baseline (pre-release) data on 1,563 participants in four study states (Florida, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas). Data was also collected from participants immediately after release from incarceration, 4 months post-release, 8 months post-release, and 15 months post-release. We also have post-release qualitative data from participants on their experience of reentry and their perception of reentry service needs, availability, and what supports they have accessed since leaving incarceration.
Healthy Thinking Patterns
Adaptive mental actions or processes, the presence of empathy, and the acceptance of internalization of values and norms that promote pro-social behavior.
Positive
Relationships
Reliable, mutually beneficial relationships between two people that range from brief to enduring in duration within formal or informal social contexts.
Positive Social Engagement
Social experiences organized for beneficial social purposes that directly or indirectly involve others, engaged in during discretionary time, and experienced as enjoyable.
Meaningful Work Trajectories
Sustainable compatibility of an individual’s goals and abilities and the demands of that individual’s occupation (obligations/job paid or unpaid) is sustainable.
Effective Coping Strategies
Adaptive behavioral and psychological efforts taken to manage and reduce internal/external stressors in ways that are not harmful in the short or long-term.