INCREASING EDUCATIONAL PRISON PROGRAMS TO HELP REDUCE RECIDIVISM

Abstract

This study examined the educational gaps in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the North Carolina Community College System and its impact on recidivism. The study aims to establish a holistic and comprehensive transition plan for inmates within 12 -24 months of release into society. The study examined classes and training offered to inmates related to educational programs, employment programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, social support programming, chemical dependency treatment, and mental health programming. This data does not reflect the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the inmates. This deviation is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented entry into prisons and access to inmates for to participate in the research. Invited to participate in this study were fifty to sixty inmates, prison administrators, and instructors who shared their experience and observation of education's impact on rehabilitating inmates and preparedness for release into society. However, due to the pandemic participation was restricted to the instructors that educate in the prison system. The discovery of their experiences speaks to Hirschi's Social Control Theory which seeks to link social controls to recidivism. The controls are attachment to family and friends, commitment to achievements or goals, involvement in prosocial activities, and belief in societal norms, rules, and laws. Instructor responses identified that the social controls in the life of the inmate assist with obtaining successful reentry into society and reducing the chances of returning to prison. The need for increased learning opportunities for inmate beyond a GED or vocational certificate is desired for inmates that come to prison formally educated. The need for technological resources are were also made evident during this pandemic. Strengthen the collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the North Carolina Community College System is needed if we are to rehabilitate these offenders. Without a strong comprehensive program we are wasting resources and doing a disservice to the communities we are returning them back to.