NCJ Number
191880
Journal
Corrections Management Quarterly Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 25-31
Date Published
2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article argues that work and self-improvement activities are effective with confined offenders.
Abstract
The article claims that public debate regarding the mission and goals of correctional institutions continues to escalate in a way destined to negatively affect prison and jail operations. Current rhetoric seems to grow more conservative and the get-tough philosophy is changing institutions by abolishing worthwhile programs. The article makes the case that work and self-improvement activities are effective with confined offenders and must not be curtailed by persons who know little about institutional management. Many offenders do make positive changes while in custody and they must be provided the opportunity for positive institutional programming. The article states that correctional administrators must be allowed to maintain a philosophical balance between punishment and rehabilitation. A prison sentence should protect society during the period of confinement and eventually return offenders to the community with the social capital to help them make the transition from ex-convicts to successful citizens. References