"A maximally effective approach to crime avoidance calls for programs that can supplement the deterrent and incapacitative effects of confinement. A diversified crime-reduction strategy should include effective 'helping' programs," (Ruth & Reitz, 110). One of the programs that needs to be better considered is the partnership of prisons with other community resources such as churches, mosques, synagogues, substance abuse centers, centers for mental health, community corrections, counseling agencies, and other organizations that could provide assistance for such individuals. In these partnerships, the helping environment would be created through inmates and community leaders forming partnerships. This would help the incarcerated become connected to their community. Jacobson (2005, p. 131) states that, "Almost everyone who goes to prison comes out of prison. In fact, except for the 5% who are sentenced to life without parole, executed, or die of natural causes, 95% of all prison admission are released and 80% are released to parole or some kind of after-prison supervision." This high percentage proves the need for a community connection once released. However, if inmates do not have a valuation for the rehabilitation program or understand the long-term need or connection, they will often not choose to attend such programs. A main reason inmates do not attend these programs or receive the full benefit from the rehabilitation services is because they do not focus on their individual issues, crimes, or development. If such programs or people were offered, more of the prison population would attend these resources in order to develop a better adjustment back into society. One option that needs to be considered is college programs for inmates who qualify....
Horn (2001, p 36) states, "Achievement of a college degree, willing performance of assigned duties, or speculative progress toward 'self-realization' and internalization of social controls do not appreciably change…" Offering educational programs, as part of the rehabilitation process would enhance such programs, thus encouraging inmate participation from qualified instructors, which would reduce recidivism, create a community connection, and provide a positive behavioral pattern.
A change in prison budgeting is then needed in order to better allocate the resources offered to such programs rather than some of the frivolous areas where prisons spend their limited dollars. Partnering with community individuals, offering more substantive programs, encouraging inmate participation, and reallocating state funding would be realized in order for such a change to occur. To some that seems like a simple strategy, unfortunately, it would take years, creativity, and a different focus from each institution in order for this kind of a change to occur. The need for the change in rehabilitation programs, from the involvement of community individuals, to the desire for inmates to participate through providing long-term benefits through college programming or community connection, would only prove to reduce recidivism if just one institution was willing to adopt such a change.
Works Cited
Horn, Martin. (2001). Rethinking Sentencing. Corrections Management Quarterly 5.
Jacobson, Michael. (2005). Downsizing Prisons. New York, NY: New York University Press.
Ruth, Henry, & Reitz, Kevin. (2003). The Challenge of Crime: Rethinking Our Response.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard…
