NCJ Number
78574
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling, Services and Rehabilitation Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1980) Pages: 5-18
Date Published
1981
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper examines through review of published literature the rising crime rates and the apparent failure of correctional programs to decrease recidivism rates, resulting, in many cases, in less support for such programs.
Abstract
Many papers in the correctional literature have been written against rehabilitative programs. At present, reduced recidivism appears to be an elusive and perhaps unrealistic goal for a correctional program. The base for the continuation and even improvement and expansion of present prison programs rests more on ethical considerations than reduction in recidivism rates. The focus on educational and vocational training programs, as opposed to offenders' attempts at changing personality-behavior, appears to be a practical approach to the average offender's problems in the world of work. Because offenders are undereducated and unskilled, higher education and improved skills should result in increased employability. Because work is of such prime importance in adult life, the failure to achieve more vocational success may be a primary factor in repeated crime. The completion of an educational or vocational training program may contribute to a sense of self-worth and accomplishment and thus increase motivation to also succeed in the outside world. The short-term effects on participation in prison programs when measured against recidivism are perhaps negative, but the long-term effects are likely to contribute to the increased possibility for legitimate self-support and a socially accepted lifestyle. About 30 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)