Prison News
Re-Entry – New York & Connecticut
After decades of exploding prison populations and dismal recidivism rates, there are changes coming. Last week, Gov. Cuomo’s program was discussed in “Inmates are Coming.” The governor cited studies proving that education programs for prisoners reduces recidivism. This reduction in recidivism is a strong incentive not only for inmates, but also for taxpayers.
Teresa Miller, a professor at the University of Buffalo, has studied New York prisons. The professor’s studies have shown the connection between education and lowering recidivism. Professor Miller has stated:
“When you consider that an inmate simply participating in a college program reduces his likelihood of re-offending after release by 46 percent, the impact of college coursework is impressive. When you consider that an inmate who earns a college degree in prison reduces his likelihood of re-offending from a national average of 60 percent to a mere 5.6 percent, the impact is astounding.”
In New Haven, Connecticut, the Mayor has made major changes in their reentry program, “Project Fresh Start.” The new changes will help inmates navigate their new confusing world. Potential employers will meet with inmates during their incarceration to improve the transition. The program will receive advance emails notifying them of a prisoner’s release, as well as a profile of that person. With this advance information, they will be able to assess the individual needs of each offender and devise a reentry plan before the inmate is released. The program will focus on the education, housing, and health care of each individual offender. One inmate may have special health issues while another inmate already has a high school degree.
The New Haven program will also provide mentoring for each new returning citizen. With mentoring, the former inmate will have a better chance of succeeding in his or her new life.
With effective re-entry programs, returning citizens and taxpayers will have a better society.
live in California and work for a company that holds contracts in many states where they do treatment while still incarcerated and then the parole to what we call community based providers that help them integrate back into society. For I work with the ones that go into the community based programs, my staff and I case manage them to get them resources that will assit in their needs. Education, vocation and substance abuse treatment is what is really needed in all states for those that have been incarcerated.
By kathleen
Clearly, access to education which includes vocational training is key. Without the basic GED & the ability to follow instructions (as indicated) will & often does preclude successful vocational training. Most prospective employers want their staff to become team players, able to produce a product or service in a timely & cost-effective manner. These skills must be taught pre-release. A good work ethic is hard to acquire. Employers, from our point of view will gladly take on a returning citizen who is willing to work hard & do the right thing no matter what, regardless of history.
By Vivienne
That is good news. I just pray that they have in place a support to prevent and or reduce recidivism.
By Willie
It is long been time for a really good prison reform program one that looks at the whole person while addressing his or her total needs, which includes education, housing, employment, religious persuasion and counseling to help the person rise above the stigma of being an ex-felon. I say this because many in society look at those returning from prison as a scorn of society. I feel they should be given every opportunity to succeed as they are God’s creation just as we are; they just made bad choices.
By Willie
I feel this is being allowed to happen because the prison industry is big business being that many if not all are privatized. Additionally, I feel we as tax payers must step forward and say enough is enough.
By Willie
I agree with you Emmanuel. The prison systems need to get extra aggressive with solid education and on the job training while in prison so people are ready to roll upon release. People have a lot more time on their hands in prison without the same distractions on the outside so this just makes good sense. Let’s get to the point where employers are invited to conduct interviews in prisons so we don’t have gaps upon release. It’s the gaps in the system that really need to be closed.
New York State had a College program in most of its prisons until 1995 when they were eliminated. At the time there were numerous longitudinal studies citing the cost effectiveness of educating prisoners, including drastically lower rates of recidivism and lower rates of infractions while incarcerated. When the program was eliminated the Governor and others pointed to what they saw as the unfairness of someone in prison going to college on Pell grants and State Tuition Assistance Program funds. They made the false claim that the funds were being “taken” from the children of law abiding citizens and being given… Read more »