Reducing Recidivism
Recidivism is defined as “a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior.”
The high rates of recidivism in the American Justice System are a problem that is not often addressed. Rehabilitation programs, reentry counseling, and continued care after the offender’s release are integral to lowering the already high rates of recidivism in the country but are not always guaranteed to be available.
Rehabilitation
The article “Prison Firm CCA Seeks to Reduce Number of Repeat Offenders” explains that while the costs of rehabilitation programs within correctional facilities can be a deterrent for the private companies running them, the likelihood of recidivism is noticeably reduced. For example, the use of GED classes and the ability to earn a diploma before reentering society is shown to reduce the rate of re-offending.
Reentry Counseling
Reentry counseling is vital to the offender in many ways. Upon release, life will be very different for the offender, often returning to the same unhealthy environment where they learned the criminal behavior that brought them to the prison system. Things such as loss of a job, living arrangments, and even technological advances in the case of long term sentences, can all be overwhelming. Learning how to deal with these struggles before release, as well as continued access to counseling after reentry to society can keep the offender on track.
Returning to Civilian Life
The level of care a convicted criminal has available to them, and the funding that goes toward that is a highly debated topic but is vital for lowering the crime and recidivism rates. If an offender is made to feel that the future will not be better, what motivation to end the cycle of criminal behavior do they have?
