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Prison Recidivism

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On the other hand, inmates who just participated in just the work release program and no dug treatment had higher recidivism rates (APA.org 2004). Research findings by the American Psychological Association, has been compiled from different studies on prison based drug treatment. Research findings from these two studies mentioned have been obtained from the studies of Dr. Harry K. Wexler and Steven S. Martin.
A study conducted by Harry K. Wexler and Gerald Melnick, “Risk and Prison Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes”, focused on prison based drug treatment and aftercare for inmates. The study shows that high risk offenders benefited slightly more from treatment than low risk offenders, but in the end both benefited. A key finding concluded …show more content…
Those inmates who participated in the program had recidivism rates of 46.7% over the period of 15 years, the control group had higher recidivism rates of 66.7% over the same time period (Rainforth, Alexander, Cavanaugh 2008). The findings provided by this study were considered to be statistically important to the support of this programs benefits. According to the study the Transcendental Meditation has proven to be more than a mere program to offset reoffending to a later time, but it has actually helped some inmates in permanent rehabilitation. A combination of both Transcendental Meditation and group therapy has proven to have an even greater positive impact on recidivism, than providing inmates with Transcendental Meditation alone. The benefits of the effectiveness of other programs in prison such as education and drug rehabilitation programs can be enhanced when they are combined with Transcendental Meditation therapy (Rainforth et al., …show more content…
Many inmates come from areas where they do not have the same opportunities as higher social classes do in order to achieve in life. These inmates usually come from deteriorating neighborhoods and broken homes. Many do not have the guidance from both mom and dad in order to help them walk down the right path. As a society we should take it upon ourselves to reform the non-violent inmates, and help them down the right path. The cost savings that these programs provide federal and state correctional facility budgets, can be diverted and used to fund better education, and proper maintenance of deteriorating neighborhood. Reforming inmates in our Florida correctional facilities into productive members of society is the ultimate goal. I am an advocate for the use of prison based programs in Florida correctional facilities and nation wide as well, but I believe these programs should be reserved for non-violent criminal offenders, who have not committed serious felony crimes. In my opinion I believe criminals who commit heinous, serious felony crimes such as rape and first-degree murder, and mass murder (amongst other serious violent crimes) should be given the death penalty, no other alternative (no jail time or rehabilitation). But this is a

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