Rehabilitation

As stated by the National Institute of Justice, “refers to the extent to which a program is implicated in the reduction of crime by “”repairing”” the individual in some way by addressing his or her needs or deficits.

“Approximately 41% of incarcerated individuals currently incarcerated in the United States” do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, according to Center for American Progress at www.americanprogress.org

Recidivism

As stated by the National Institute of Justice, “refers to a persons’s relapse into criminal behavior, often after the person receives sanctions or undergoes intervention for a previous crime.”

Rehabilitation programs such as educational and work opportunities, resume building and interview skills, therapeutic counseling, mentorship and positive support from others assist in lowering recidivism rates.

Education

Education is both a form of rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals and an effective anti-recidivism tool. All those incarcerated deserve a chance at rehabilitation and educational opportunities. Unfortunately those in Closed Custody or serving a Life Sentence are often not offered educational opportunities.

It is essential to advocate for changes as we continue to progressively move forward with Criminal Justice and Prison Reform Bills. All those incarcerated deserve a fair chance at rehabilitation programs, work and education activities.