Correctional Education

A number of programs for offenders have incorporated educational components.  Educational programs cost about $1,400 to $1,744 per inmate each year.  Spending on these programs has continued to decrease.  According to the Department of Justice, each year, about 700,000 people leave federal and state prisons and about half of them return to prison within three years. Government, both federally and locally, has  limited funds. The U.S. deficit continues to increase, state budgets are stretched to the limits,  and there are competing interests for limited funds.

Read pp. 57-66 of below study, conduct independent research and respond to the following questions:.

1. If it's true that educational programs cost less than extended incarceration and reduce recidivism, what are some of the obstacles correctional institutions face in implementing these programs?
2. What types of educational programs should be provided?  Why?
3. Should these funds go to college students or inmates?  Explain.
4. What recommendations would you make to address this?

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