Programs to Reduce Recidivism Among Prison Inmates

Some inmates use their time in prison for rehabilitation. They learn their lessons, get released and go on to lead productive, crime-free lives. Many prisoners end up returning to prison again and again, however. Prisons employ different strategies designed to help reduce recidivism rates. Some programs that have been found to be highly effective at reducing recidivism include substance abuse treatment programs, educational programs, and employment services. Not all prisons offer such services to prisoners, however. Cost is often a factor.

Substance Abuse Treatment

A study conducted in 2004 found that 32 percent of prisoners were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time they committed the crime for which they were convicted, yet the Office of Justice Programs reports that less than half of all inmates with drug or alcohol problems receive treatment while incarcerated. However, the Center for Impact Research reports that substance abuse treatment programs reduce recidivism rates by 31 percent. Substance abuse treatment services in prison can include individual and group counseling, education and self-help groups or 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Educational Programs

According to the Center for Impact Research, educational programs in prisons, like programs that allow inmates to earn GEDs, reduce recidivism rates by 29 percent. Educational programs also include college courses and vocational training programs. In addition to reducing recidivism rates, prisons that offer strong educational programs for inmates report that inmates that participate in educational programs have better behavior in prison and get along with fellow inmates better than those that do not participate in educational programs.

Employment Services

The Center for Impact Research also reports that employment services designed to prepare inmates for entering the workforce and help them find jobs after their release from prison reduce recidivism rates to 17 percent, while inmates that do not receive such services have recidivism rates of 41 percent. In addition to job placements assistance, employment services in prison include things like classes that teach interviewing skills, assistance with resume writing and education about good work habits. Of course vocational training programs and other educational programs also help prepare prison inmates to enter the workforce after their release from prison.

Sources:

Center for Impact Research. http://www.impactresearch.org/documents/recidivismexecutivesummary.pdf . Current Strategies for Reducing Recidivism.

Office of Justice Programs. http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/dcf/dt.cfm . Drug Treatment Under Correctional Supervision.