Bchappell-PHI105-final-Draft (1)

docx

School

Grand Canyon University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

105

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

6

Uploaded by ElderRain12701

Report
Recidivism Is Preventable: Rehabilitation Centers Brianna Chappell Grand Canyon University PHI-105 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Prof. Kristen Dicarlo September 10, 2023
2 Recidivism Is Preventable: Rehabilitation Centers Talking about prisoners’ conditions and how society can be better for them is not an easy or light topic to talk about in a conversation. However, the conversation must be had to institute change. Preventing inmates from returning to jail and reducing the likelihood of repeated crimes is possible. Their behavior and actions are not being dismissed or desensitized, this is simply addressing how it can be prevented from reoccurring and causing more damage. Recidivism can be defined as the chances of returning to specific actions (Wissler, 2023). American prisons have a continuously rising rate of criminals that recidivate to crime. Many included in that percentage are not well equipped with the tools needed for a sustainable life such as a constant job. Prisoners who spend decades in prison have the most trouble reentering society and finding jobs or programs that will accept them. Rehabilitation centers provide these things American prisons that are reformed to resemble rehabilitation facilities will reduce recidivism as it will provide education, promote positive opportunities, and help the state use its budget efficiently. The educational programs that the rehabilitation facilities will provide are beneficial to lowering recidivism. Correctional education such as receiving GEDs has had positive effects on criminals. As confirmed by over 90 studies, the chance of recidivism reduces when education programs are utitlies, especially for education deficit offenders (Duwe 2018, p.5). When inmates learn and obtain a variety of certifications such as a GED or other vocational trades. Being educated helps individuals that were in jail accumulate a legal job and maintain it. People who attend facilities such as these receive mental health education and assistance to address their root issue as that may be a reason for crime. Capitalizing on the positive things that education cultivates, brings us to our next topic of how positive opportunities are promoted in such facilities.
3 When the individual knows the limitless opportunities available, it helps them want to strive for something good, thereby reducing recidivism. To go a little more in-depth, getting the inmates back acclimated to the work life and providing necessities has a high rate of success. (Stinton 2023, p.272) When ex-convicts are given the resources to learn the new ways of the world and are mentally prepared for release, it is shown to lower their chances of returning to jail. Being able to receive vocational skills training are more likely to get jobs and higher wages after release (Petersilia 2011, p.54). Other positive opportunities that are provided by the rehabilitation center include programs such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Arts-in-corrections, and so much more (The California Legislature’s NFPA, 2017). These programs are direct interferences and deterrence from criminals repeating their patterns. Inmates will have access to various therapies that encourage change. Implementing effective programs could be expected to reduce recidivism by 15 to 20 percent. This helps the state as the inmates are productively working with all the new help hired in the working field. By including rehabilitation, the state's money will have been used to push more workers into the workforce, which generates more income that circles back to them and ensures a more productive budget. After those imprisoned utilize the education program and gain access to stable jobs, the money they earn goes right back to the state. Duwe confirms this idea when he states, “Programs that improve employment incomes can also create a benefit by increasing income taxes that employed offenders pay to the state” (Duwe 2018, p.4). When the offenders have solidified a stable job, they are able to sustain themselves and ultimately repay the state back in taxes. In every argument the cons have to be evaluated. Adding rehab centers in every prison in every state requires a lot of money to fund. The states, that have not included these places, are mostly concerned about all of the money it will cost to not only build, but also pay for
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help
4 a staff of people to work and teach. Granted, it is a costly expense though it is cheap compared to cost of the damages and possible lawsuits the states will have to pay after criminals a.) deface property, b.) costs to house returning inmates. Those seen as chronic offenders will cost society millions of dollars with residual expenses, such as property loss medical care, lawsuits, and so much more, which ultimately isn’t worth it (Petersilia 2011, p.54). The costs of criminals that go to jail for the first-time or repeat offenders are far more expensive and not nearly as benefitual as using the money for rehabilitation facilities would be. Some officials have excitedly nixed rehabilitation programs, though it is counterproductive to cut the budget of correctional establishments (Petersilia 2011, p.54). These programs are working and benefiting themselves as well as society. Taking away these programs means that the state funder spends more on providing for the inmates than helping them and saving money. Adding rehabilitation centers into prison will benefit all parties in the long run. The goal of reducing crime and incarceration rates is realistically attainable. Adding rehabilitation facilities in American prisons will not only benefit the prisoner but also society and the state. The prisoner will benefit from the new education they receive like learning the topics needed to attain GED and other life skills. The prisoners also will benefit from the many positive opportunities that education opens the door for such as housing or sustainable jobs. The state and society benefit from rehabilitation facilities as they will address the actions that cause crime. Addressing the root problem lowers crime rates and effectively utilizes the state’s funding. Even if the state is not persuaded to add the facilities, individuals can use their voting voice to elect delegates who care.
5
6 References Duwe, G. (2018). The Effectiveness of Education and Employment Programming for Prisoners. In American Enterprise Institute. American Enterprise Institute. https://eds-s-ebscohost- com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=15415433-2903-4585-a7af- ea9e01146bb8%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmUmc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d %3d#AN=ED585975&db=eric Petersilia, J. (2011). Beyond the Prison Bubble. The Wilson Quarterly (1976-), 35(1), 50–55. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.2307/41001069 STINSON, J. A. (2023). We’ve Got some Work to Do: How the United States Could Benefit from Implementing Germany’s Prison Employment Program. Indiana International & Comparative Law Review, 33(1), 257–287. https://doi- org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.18060/27372 The California Legislature’s Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor. (2017, December 6). Improving In-Prison Rehabilitation Programs. Improving in-prison rehabilitation programs. https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3720 Wissler, H. E. (2023). Overlooked and Undervalued: Ex-Offenders in the Employment Market. ABA Journal of Labor & Employment Law, 37(1), 93–123.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help