ipl-logo

The Correctional Association Of New York Report

4238 Words17 Pages

EDUCATION IN PRISON: A TOOL FOR REDUCING RECIDIVISM

Abstract
Crime is an extremely negative externality with enormous effects on society. Crime effects the victim, the perpetrator, the families of both the victim and the perpetrator, and has knock on effects for society as a whole. The question of the benefits of education in prisons has been of interest among the lawmakers, media and society for many years. Upon release from prison, many ex-offenders encounter many difficulties when reintegrating back into society. A primary challenge is finding employment, this is due to a lack of education. Many offenders have poor literacy, numeracy and basic education and many are unemployed at time of committal. With no work or chance of employment …show more content…

Educational activities can help relieve these tensions, something as simple as being part of a class can ?normalise? prison. The Correctional Association of New York Report links the benefits of prison education to prisoners as ?having the opportunity to feel human again by engaging in an activity as commonplace as going to classes? (The Correctional Association of New York, 2009). Through education the prisoner can become aware of their own potential. Criminal behaviour can be seen as creativity gone badly wrong, The Strasbourg Report on Prison Education (1989) states that ?Creativity can be misdirected in destructive or antisocial ways and this has been the case for many who are in prison? (Strasbourg Report, 1989, p.12). Education in prison can connect with the life experience of the prisoner and their knowledge of the world through their own experiences. By the time an individual gets to prison, they have a wealth of knowledge through their experiences with crime. The prisoner can draw on this knowledge and use it to their advantage in a positive and productive manner. The prisoner can have a different perspective of themselves and can see the world through different eyes. Through education the prisoner has hope and can see the prospects of a …show more content…

Dublin: NESC.
Sampson, R. J, and Laub, J. H. (1993). Crime in the Making: Pathways and Turning Points through Life. MA: Harvard University Press.
Seymour, M. and Costello, L. (2005). A Study of the Number, Profile and Progression Routes of Homeless Persons before Court and in Custody. Dublin: Dublin Institute of Technology.
INTERNET
Central Statistics Office (CSO). (2010). Prison Recidivism 2010 Cohort. Available at: http://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/prir/prisonrecidivism2010cohort/ [Accessed 06/05/2018].
Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (2001). Available at: http://www.conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/html/005.htm [Accessed 06/05/2018].
Council of Europe. (1987). Education in Prisons. Strasbourg. Available at: http://www.epea.org/council-of-europe-recommendations-on-education-in-prison/pdf [Accessed 05/05/2018].
Council of Europe. (1990). Education in Prisons. Strasbourg. Available at: http://www.epea.org/council-of-europe-recommendations-on-education-in-prison/pdf [Accessed

Open Document