Parole And Recidivism

For this week’s discussion topic, I chose the question of “What factors are important for parole and probation agencies to consider to achieve meaningful reductions in recidivism?” Comprehensive programs that engage and educate, as well as provide job opportunities, are the most beneficial to offenders and society. This allows them to reintegrate into society with a particular skills set that will hopefully render them as a contributing member of society.
If probationers and parolees are able to secure a job, their opportunities for falling back into criminal activities will dwindle. According to Latessa and Smith (2011), helping offenders over the age of 27 find jobs has shown to reduce recidivism rates (2011). State probation and parole

departments must be able to fill the role of authoritarian, as well as a guidance counselor to these offenders. Partnerships with companies in the area can be formed to provide apprenticeships to offenders and, upon completion of education relevant to the position, the offender can be afforded a career opportunity that will hopefully circumvent the offender going back to their devious ways.
Furthermore, research shows that adult inmates confined within correctional facilities have an education level equal to that of a 7th grader (Reed, 2014). This considerably low educational level almost certainly contributes to incarcerated offenders failures as they have a trifecta working against them: little/no education, little/no employment history, and a criminal record. In contrast, often, college students work and attend school simultaneously. In most cases, these individuals are driven by a strong work ethic and have their schedules filled. To combat this metaphorical “three against one,” and to close the gap on recidivism faced by probationers and parolees, I believe that affording educational and work opportunities to probationers and parolees in essential to their future successes.

References:
Reed, D. (2014). Educational Options for Incarcerated Adults. Educational Psychology Review. Vol. 27. pg. 537.
Latessa, E.J. & Smith, P. (2011). Corrections in the Community (5th ed.). Cincinnati OH: Anderson Publ. Co.