In the intricate tapestry of crime and correction, a significant piece is often neglected: the aftermath of incarceration. Nearly all incarcerated individuals eventually re-enter communities, many ill-equipped for the transition, leading to a troubling uptick in crime and subsequent victims. The prevailing “tough on crime” stance of the correctional system might, paradoxically, be contributing to a “soft on prevention” reality, cycling unrehabilitated individuals back into society. This blog delves into the grave consequences of inadequate post-incarceration preparation and highlights the imperative of reforms to end this cycle of recidivism.
The Vicious Cycle of Unprepared Release
Nationwide, an overwhelming 95 percent of inmates will ultimately return to their communities. Of these, 68 percent will find themselves rearrested within three years of release, escalating to almost 80 percent within six years. The crimes they commit post-release often exceed the severity of their initial offenses; a startling insight from a 2021 Bureau of Justice Statistics report demonstrated that people released from prison for drug crimes were more likely to be re-arrested for a violent offense than people who had initially committed homicide or sexual assault. The same study found that over 30 percent of people imprisoned for property crimes, like burglary and larceny, went on to commit violent crimes within five years. These statistics underscore a bleak future for many, marking corrections as a failure not only at the individual level but as a systemic issue that perpetuates a cycle of crime and victimization. This trend is indicative of a deeper problem: a failure in the correctional system’s approach to rehabilitation, and a potential deterioration of moral and societal norms during incarceration.
Counting the Cost: The Rise in Victims
Behind every statistic of recidivism lies a trail of new victims—individuals, families, and communities bearing the brunt of preventable crimes. The correctional system’s focus on punishment over rehabilitation perpetuates this cycle, raising critical questions about the real cost of our current approach and the number of lives disrupted or destroyed due to inadequate preparation for reintegration.
While “tough on crime” initiatives may be well-intentioned, their predominant focus on punitive measures overlooks the critical need for prevention and rehabilitation. This approach neglects the complex needs of returning individuals and ironically sustains the very cycle of crime it seeks to eliminate, thus creating a society paradoxically softer on preventing recurring offenses.
The Dire Need for Reform: Embracing Social Purpose Corrections
Social Purpose Corrections (SPC) embodies the pivotal shift that is urgently needed. SPC represents a transformative approach, emphasizing not leniency but effectiveness, through rehabilitation, skills training, mental health care, and community integration. These elements are vital for reducing recidivism and, consequently, the number of future victims. Key strategies include:
- Rehabilitation and Skills Training: Customized programs that align individual needs with market demands, equipping released individuals with the tools for lawful, gainful employment.
- Mental Health and Substance Misuse Treatment: Addressing underlying causes of criminal behavior to significantly reduce reoffense rates.
- Community Reintegration Support: Facilitating a smooth transition from incarceration to community life, with support in securing housing, employment, and community ties.
- Victim-Centered Approach: Incorporating restorative justice principles and ensuring that the voices of victims are integral to the correctional process.
Implementing Change: A Societal Imperative
A collective effort is vital to pivot the trajectory of released individuals towards a more positive path and reduce the creation of new victims:
- Policy Reform: Advocate for and implement legislation that supports comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
- Community Involvement: Cultivate a supportive, inclusive environment for returning individuals.
- Correctional System Overhaul: Rework facilities from punitive spaces to centers of genuine rehabilitation and learning.
The model of SPC is revolutionary in its approach to correctional and reentry facilities management. By dedicating 100% of funds from federal and state contracts to the welfare, treatment, and training of residents, SPC prepares individuals for stable, law-abiding lives post-release. This not only aims to break the cycle of recidivism but also enhances the economic and social well-being of the communities to which these individuals return, embodying the broader mission of “Social Purpose.”
Conclusion
The efficacy of a correctional system should not be measured by its capacity to punish, but rather its ability to prevent future crime. The escalating number of victims resulting from unprepared releases is a clarion call for an immediate and strategic system overhaul. By embracing Social Purpose Corrections and prioritizing effective rehabilitation, we can diminish the cycle of crime, prevent further victimization, and nurture a safer, more equitable society.
As you consider the broader implications of recidivism and the societal need for effective reform, recognize the vital role that funding and support for Social Purpose Corrections (SPC) play in this ecosystem. SPC, as a nonprofit approach to corrections, relies on the backing of government contracts, philanthropic entities, and community engagement to revolutionize the way we approach rehabilitation and reentry.
Brian Koehn is the Founder and CEO of Social Profit Corrections.