NCJ Number
113065
Date Published
1987
Length
32 pages
Annotation
Correctional education (CE) programs for the 2.4 million persons under supervision are operated at the Federal, State, and local levels.
Abstract
There are a variety of service delivery models, varying in their approach, administration, setting, and student population. CE has been defined as an organized and individualized self-help strategy to interrupt antisocial behavior through vocational and academic learning that fosters social attitudes and equips students to become responsible members of the community. Other goals of CE include providing institutional work assignments, passive control of inmates, inmate behavior change, and reduced recidivism. While the American Correctional Association has developed CE standards and accreditation processes, these are not mandatory in adult programs. In most jurisdictions participation in adult programs is voluntary, although in some it is mandatory or incentives for participation are provided. CE is primarily a State responsibility, although some Federal funding is available. The administrative structure may be centralized or decentralized. In some States responsibility for CE has been delegated to State or local education agencies. Within the juvenile justice system, educational services may include predelinquent interventions, diversionary programs, dispositional alternatives, or reentry interventions. For juveniles CE should focus on reestablishment of ties in normalized settings. Adult CE programs may include basic education, equivalency, literacy, life skills, special education, vocational education, and transitional and aftercare services. CE programs for special needs populations have been slow to develop and will require public and professional support to be effective. A vignette discusses CE. 44 references.