The Importance Of Correctional Programs In Prison From Prisons

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VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

According to Vacca (2004), inmates who participated in vocational programs were less likely to re-offend once they were released from prison. Also, it is shown that inmates that participate in vocational programs tend to decline, in regards to violence within the prison setting. The key to a successful vocational program is not to pressure an offender into completing a program. The desire to change their life needs to be genuinely pursued, and not forced. Offenders who feel forced may not do as well as other submitting offenders. There are a large number of inmates within the correctional setting that does not possess a high school diploma or a GED. Therefore, when it comes to trying to find a job the possibilities are tremendously limited. The subsequent criminal offending may be the result of trying to provide for one’s self. In addition to not having a diploma or a GED, most males inmates that dropped out of school have significant issues with writing and reading skills. This further subjects the …show more content…

In addition, these offenders that gain employment will become contributing citizens, and also have less time to re-offend. Correctional policy makers should weigh all the options and determine if implementing vocational programs in all correctional facilities, both adult and juvenile, would be beneficial. There is a strong possibility where the criminal justice system would need to make an investment in finding trained and qualified staff that can teach these offenders the skills they desperately need upon release from prison. Finally, if the criminal justice system wants to see a stimulated economy, less recidivism, safer communities, and less crime overall, vocational programs may be at least part of a plan that could work on remedying the

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