Practice and Promise of Prison Programming

• NCJ Number: 197176
• Author(s): Sarah Lawrence; Daniel P. Mears; Glenn Dubin; Jeremy Travis
• Date Published: May 2002
• Length: 30 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Joyce Foundation
• Sale Source: The Urban Institute
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This document focuses on the effectiveness of employment-related programs in prison.

Abstract

An inventory was conducted of programs in seven States in the Great Lakes region. The goal was to explore and highlight the potential for considerable State-level variation and to identify the extent to which information on prison programming was readily available. The inventory was based on interviews with key stakeholders and information sources, such as annual reports and national surveys of correctional agencies. Preliminary investigation suggests that prison-based programming, which includes education, vocational training, prison industries, and employment services, can be effective in reducing recidivism and increasing post-release employment prospects. There is not yet a definitive body of research firmly establishing this link or the strength of this link. Most States do not distinguish from among a range of specific prison programming activities. It appears that few inmates are receiving the programming they may need. Educational programming is the most common type of prison programming. This assessment shows that programming participation rates vary considerably across types of programs and among the seven States examined. It also highlights a range of strategic opportunities and policy targets that currently exist for improving and enhancing correctional programming. The opportunities to change policies include building new partnerships and collaborations among a diverse group of public agencies and private organizations; and reframing correctional programs from a way to rehabilitate individuals to a way to increase offender accountability. Opportunities to change practices include engaging businesses from the private sector to train and employ offenders prior to their release; and reviewing and updating correctional education and training curricula. Opportunities to improve research include conducting a best practices survey of correctional programs; and improving the assessment of offenders’ needs and matching needs with appropriate programming. 2 figures, 5 tables, 1 footnote, 32 references