Incentive or Good Programs Removed From Prisons Even When They Were Working, Why?
Societal mindset still feels it coddles inmates at taxpayer expense, but isn’t reducing recidivism more critical?
Each year, in North Carolina where I am incarcerated, more than 22,000 people are released from prison. Across the United States as a whole, more than 600,000 people — another 9 million cycle through local jails. Ninety-eight percent of the inmates in prison today will be released in the future. Over two-thirds of prisoners are rearrested within 3 years of release and half are incarcerated. This is what’s called recidivism.
What do you think makes former inmates re-offend? Would you be surprised to find out how they’re treated in prison makes a difference?
It may seem counterproductive since they know they’ll be coming right back to it, but being treated poorly on the inside, lack of access to education programs, reduced visitation with family and loved ones, and a reduction in training all contribute to inmates returning to prison after being released.
Why?
Once released back to the community, former inmates face numerous challenges. Even if they have families to come home to (which sadly, a lot do not), they still must…
