Essay on Recidivism Prison and Correctional Education

ABSTRACT As a result of tough on crime policies and the subsequent war on drugs, the number of individuals involved with criminal justice system continues to rise at alarming rates. Since 1980, the incarceration rate has tripled. 1 in 20 Americans will spend time in prison during their lifespan. The numbers speaks for themselves. Currently there are an estimated 2 million people in U.S. federal and state prisons. Given the unprecedented rise of individuals now involved with the American criminal justice system and the soaring rates or recidivism, there is a great need for systemic changes to address the issues confronting the ex-offender populations in this country. RESEARCH PROPOSAL TOPIC: WHY IS THERE SUCH A HIGH RATE OF†¦show more content†¦It has been noted that access to living wage employment is one of the key factors in reducing recidivism among ex-offenders. Therefore, it is critical to assist these individuals in finding employment as soon as possible upon their release from prison. RESEARCH QUESTION Why is there such a high rate of recidivism among African Americans? I based my research question on the following: 1. Educational programs offered in the correctional institutions. 2. Statistics from the Cook County Adult Probation Department LIMITATION OF STUDY There were no limitations to my research. DEFINITION OF TERMS Recidivism: A relapse into criminal behavior METHODOLOGY This paper will examine and review articles using a three-step process. First, a hand search of 64 joumals across the disciplines of justice, criminal justice, correctional education, psychology, educational psychology, school psychology, social work, special education, general education, and vocational education was completed for the years 1975 to 2004. Second, a computer search was conducted using ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center), PsychLit, general and special education, and criminal justice databases for the years 1975 to 2004. Descriptors used were correctional education, corrections, and juvenile delinquents. Third, bibliographies in identified articles were consulted to expand the research base. Articles included inShow MoreRelatedEvaluating The Effectiveness Of Maryland s Correctional Education Program1486 Words   |  6 Pagesof Maryland’s Correctional Education program, by examining Maryland’s Criminal Justice Reinvestment program. The goal of the reinvestment program is to reinvest freed funds from closing select prisons back into the criminal justice system and use them to improve correctional education and rehabilitation programs. The end goal is to have an ex-offender that is able to provide for themselves without returning back to crime. 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