A State-by-State analyses is provided of inmate educational programs for 44 States, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and eight Canadian provinces. Program cuts necessitated by state budget cuts are discussed.
Due to State budget cuts, at least half of the correctional systems have been forced to make cuts in their inmate educational programs in the last five years, according to a survey by Corrections Compendium. Corrections officials fear that this could result in higher inmate recidivism rates since studies have shown lower recidivism in inmates who have received educational and vocational training. Most cuts were made in vocational and technical programs such as auto body repair, machine tooling, welding, and X-ray technology. Other States have cut Adult Basic Education programs, GED programs, 2-year associate degree programs and four-year bachelor degree programs. Corresponding cuts in faculty also have been made. Federal funds are being relied upon to maintain remaining programs and faculty. An overview of the educational programs in the 44 states that responded to the survey and in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and eight Canadian provinces is presented in table form. The information provided includes: total prison population, number of inmates participating in education programs by sex, percent of those eligible who are participating, percent of successful completions, whether there is a waiting list, whether the program is offered in a second language, current budget compared to 1985-86, whether attendance is mandatory and if there are incentives for attending. 2 tables