The criminal justice system aims to deter individuals from initially committing crime. However, the system must also endeavor to prevent those who have been convicted of a crime and released from recommitting crimes and returning to prison. Current research shows a high rate of recidivism, with as many as 43% of felons being rearrested while still on parole (Petersillia 2011). However, researchers are not only recognizing a problem but are also looking for solutions as they search for empirically based methods to reduce recidivism. Through their work, they call-in to question early research that suggests reducing recidivism through treatment is unlikely.
For this Assignment, identify elements of a successful correctional rehabilitation program. Consider the importance of evidence-based programs.
Submit a 2-page paper that addresses the following:
- Describe the elements of a successful correctional rehabilitation program.
- Identify and briefly describe an existing program that consists of those elements.
- As a policymaker, explain the importance in supporting evidence-based correctional rehabilitation programs. Justify your response.
Additional References
- Miller, J. (2012). Does nothing work? In P. Priestly & M. Vanstone (Eds.), Offenders or citizens: Readings in rehabilitation (pp. 185–202). London, England: Routledge.
Offenders Or Citizens: Readings in Rehabilitation by Priestley, P. Copyright 2010 by Willan Publishing, Ltd. Reprinted by permission of Willan Publishing, Ltd., via the Copyright Clearance Center. - Latessa, E. J. (2004). The challenge of change: Correctional programs and evidence-based practices. Criminology and Public Policy, 3(4), 547–559.
- Raphael, S., & Ludwig, J. (2003). Prison sentence enhancements: The case of Project Exile. In P. J. Cook & J. Ludwig (Eds.), Evaluating gun policy: Effects on crime and violence (pp. 251–286). Washington, DC: Brookings Institution. Retrieved from http://www.popcenter.org/problems/gun_violence/PDF…