Reentry preparedness among soon-to-be-released inmates and the role of time served

► Study examined whether and how time incarcerated affects reentry readiness. ► Population-based survey completed by nearly 4000 male inmates. ► Results indicate reentry vulnerability increases with time served since age 18. ► Reentry readiness was no related to time served on the current conviction. ► Targeting cumulative time served is expected to yield better reentry outcomes.