The Pros And Cons Of Recidivism

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This research proposal will focus on the harsh realities of ex- convicts being released from prison and their odd of recidivism. This is a serious ongoing issue in our country that is going undetected by the general public and should not be allowed to go unheard. It is costing our country and our tax payers millions of dollars annually and an answer needs to be addressed. A study was conducted in New York to see how much it cost in tax payers money to house one inmate. “The city paid $167,731 to feed, house and guard each inmate last year, according to a study the Independent Budget Office released this week” (Santora, 1). And if “Statewide, 50 percent of ex-cons end up back in prison within five years” (Chang, 1). Why isn’t anyone addressing …show more content…
The evidence to support this thesis was found in Chicago, where clients placed by the Safer Foundation had significantly lower recidivism rates than' those who were not placed” (Milkman, 13).
Raymond H. Milkman proved recidivism is higher amongst ex convicted offenders who do not receive access to employee treatment services and follow up programs. He conducted an experiment on subjects of prison release who both received treatment and did not receive treatment. The experimental group being the ex convicts who receive program treatment and the control group being the ex convicts who do not receive program treatment. His finding showed that employment amongst ex convicted offenders can be a factor in reduction of
…show more content…
Sending and resending criminal offenders to prison is not working, in turn it is creating more violent offenders while ultimately costing our tax payers thousands of dollars annually. Our corrections systems have to take a more proactive approach towards their inmates in order to help them learn re join society a productive member. For our correction facilities to implement change toward the ongoing cycle of recidivism amongst ex con, they must provide convicts services to help offender move in a direction other than crime. “The main goal of such interventions is to help offenders overcome the stigma of a criminal conviction, the detrimental effects of incarceration and the numerous obstacles they face in trying to reintegrate into the community” (UNODC, 12). Methods that should be enforced are felony probation programs administered to certain offenders instead of prison. Our courts need to approach conviction of certain offenders as something that can be improved through rehabilitation programs. Another method proven to reduce recidivism amongst ex convicted offenders is employee release and follow up programs for prison released offenders. By giving our ex convicts the means of a job after prison can drastically decrease the probability of recidivism for ex convicts. Work programs give ex cons a routine, a productive supplement to

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