Recidivism is among the leading causes of incarceration; this has significantly increased due to the inability of previously convicted persons to reenter society. Consequently, different correctional departments have established programs to equip inmates with the relevant skills and aptitudes to transition into society. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has also started programs and services designed to help convicts assimilate into society, thereby reducing recidivism (Martin, 2021). Some of these programs include education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, parole and probation, and mental health treatment.
Reassignment of inmates to the different programs offered by the CDCR involves a variety of practices that facilitate the efficiency of the programs and eventual success. In the case of education and vocational training for inmates, intrinsic motivation is promoted; this allows them to understand the need to acquire literary and professional skills (Chin & Dandurand, 2018). Mental health treatment is achieved through activities like cognitive behavior therapy; through this treatment, convicts are trained to develop different perspectives (Greenberg, 2018). Additionally, inmates are taught to evaluate the effects of their intentions, and this way, they can prevent reacting irrationally to situations, thus promoting better mental health.
According to Greenberg (2018), matching offenders’ traits determines whether an inmate is eligible for parole. Through this, their current behavior is compared to their entry behavior; if there is a positive change, they qualify for a parole hearing. In substance abuse treatment, the inmates are introduced to different sources of pleasure. This operates under the assumption of addiction; as such, they are introduced to support groups and counseling and alternative activities during leisure activities.
Even though some of these programs have effectively reduced recidivism, some changes must be made to increase efficiency. In education and vocational training, the department should write recommendations for the inmates to increase their chances of employment. Despite their qualifications, previous convicts remain unemployed because of the biased society. The CDCR should ensure that the convicts adhere to their meetings and support groups to remain sober; this will help prevent recidivism.
Recidivism is a significant problem; thus, correction departments like the CDCR have established programs and services to help convicts reenter society. These programs include education and vocational training, mental health treatment, parole, and probation. Some of these programs can be made more effective by ensuring inmate follow-up to enhance their sobriety and writing recommendations to increase employability.
References
Chin, V., & Dandurand, Y. (2018). Introductory handbook on the prevention of recidivism and the social reintegration of offenders. Criminal Justice Handbook Series), New York: United Nations.
Greenberg, K. L. (2018). “Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections: From on-Paper to the Front-Line.” Evidence-Based Practice in Criminal Justice | Evidence-Based Corrections Examples, University of New Haven, Web.
Martin, K. L. (2021). California’s prisoner rehabilitation effort: Ex-Lifers’ perceptions on Achieving sustainable social reintegration (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).