Posted: August 3rd, 2022

Reducing Recidivism through Effective Rehabilitation Programs

Reducing Recidivism through Effective Rehabilitation Programs
The issue of rising prison populations and recidivism continues to be a pressing challenge faced by many nations. In the United States alone, close to 2.3 million people are currently incarcerated in both federal and state prisons (Kaeble and Cowhig, 2018). Even more alarming is the high rate of recidivism, with some studies estimating that over 75% of released prisoners end up reoffending and returning to prison (Durose et al., 2014). This not only places a massive financial burden on taxpayers to fund an ever-expanding prison system, but also undermines public safety through high rates of re-offending.
Rather than solely relying on punitive measures of incarceration, experts argue that rehabilitation should be a key priority for correctional systems seeking to curb recidivism in a cost-effective manner. A growing body of research demonstrates that implementing comprehensive rehabilitation programs in prisons can play a significant role in reducing recidivism among former inmates (Delaney, 1998; Dincin and Witheridge, 1982; Anthony et al., 1978). Some of the most effective rehabilitation strategies that have shown promise include educational, vocational, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Education programs, such as opportunities for inmates to obtain high school diplomas, college degrees, or participate in job training, have demonstrated success in lowering recidivism. A study of Ohio prisoners found that those who earned an associate’s degree while incarcerated had recidivism rates 27.5% lower than those who did not receive any education (Davis et al., 2013). Education helps provide inmates with marketable skills to succeed in the job market upon release and deters from criminal behaviors.
Vocational training in areas like construction, computer technology, welding, and auto mechanics also benefits inmates by teaching practical job skills. Some prisons have “work release” programs that allow minimum security inmates to work in the community close to release. This helps with the reintegration process by exposing inmates to pro-social relationships and responsibilities of employment (MacKenzie, 2006). Work programs have been shown to reduce recidivism by around 13% (Visher et al., 2017).
For the estimated 50% of prisoners struggling with substance abuse issues, treatment programs are vital for rehabilitation (Broner et al., 2004). In-prison therapeutic communities and post-release continuing care programs that address underlying addiction problems have proven effective at curbing drug relapse and criminal recidivism (Mitchell et al., 2012). Without treating the root causes that often drive criminal behavior like drug dependency, true rehabilitation cannot be achieved.
In conclusion, as prison populations continue to balloon globally, a strategic focus on rehabilitation over simple warehousing of inmates is not just humane – but financially prudent. Comprehensive education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment initiatives hold great promise for reducing recidivism and creating safer communities by setting former prisoners up for success after release. With careful program implementation and adequate funding, rehabilitation can help curb mass incarceration trends and its detrimental societal impacts.
Broner, N., Lattimore, P. K., Cowell, A. J., & Schlenger, W. E. (2004). Effects of diversion on adults with co-occurring mental illness and substance use: Outcomes from a national multi-site study. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 22(4), 519–541. https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.613
Davis, L. M., Bozick, R., Steele, J. L., Saunders, J., & Miles, J. N. V. (2013). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education: A Meta-Analysis of Programs That Provide Education to Incarcerated Adults (pp. 1–56). RAND Corporation. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR266.html
Delaney, Carol. “Reducing recidivism: medication versus psychosocial rehabilitation.” Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services 36.11 (1998): 28-34.
Dincin, Jerry, and Thomas F. Witheridge. “Psychiatric rehabilitation as a deterrent to recidivism.” Psychiatric Services 33.8 (1982): 645-650.
Durose, M. R., Cooper, A. D., & Snyder, H. N. (2014). Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 30 States in 2005: Patterns from 2005 to 2010. Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report, 1–31.
Kaeble, D., & Cowhig, M. (2018). Correctional Populations in the United States, 2016. Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1–19.
MacKenzie, D. L. (2006). What Works in Corrections: Reducing the Criminal Activities of Offenders and Delinquents. Cambridge University Press.
Mitchell, O., Wilson, D. B., Eggers, A., & MacKenzie, D. L. (2012). Assessing the effectiveness of drug courts on recidivism: A meta-analytic review of traditional and non-traditional drug courts. Journal of Criminal Justice, 40(1), 60–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2011.11.009
Visher, C. A., Lattimore, P. K., Barrick, K., & Tueller, S. (2017). Evaluating the long-term effects of prisoner reentry services on recidivism: What types of services matter? Justice Quarterly, 34(1), 136–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2015.1115539

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