Reentry Education and Program Development: Philosophical Approaches of Senior Administrators to Reduce Recidivism Rates in Correctional Institutions

174 leavesThe ways in which modern civilizations have addressed crime and sought solutions to promote public safety is ongoing and ever changing. Over the years, efforts to marginalize criminal activity have included major legislative changes, local policy changes, increased regulations, and restrictions on those who have committed crimes. Effective corrections administrators are having a positive impact by reducing recidivism rates and promoting public safety. Successful corrections administrators are reducing recidivism, reducing the effects of collateral consequence, and promoting growth of social capital (e.g., social skills and relationships), human capital (employable skills), and cultural capital (e.g., community and public safety). Effective corrections administrators not only manage their facilities’ daily operations, they also provide effective reentry programming to help provide criminal offenders a strong chance of success once they return to their communities. A current challenge facing the criminal justice arena is that many corrections administrators are retiring, prompting a predicted fear of a correctional administer shortage. The purpose of this case study was to determine the attributes, philosophical perspectives and operational methods of corrections administrators producing successful reentry results. Four state prison wardens participated in this study, each of which are wardens of facilities producing recidivism rates far below the national statistics. Data was collected via a three-part series of semi-structured interviews. Four themes emerged during data analysis: (1) Emphasis on safety (2) Education and training (3) Rehabilitate and habilitate inmates as a whole person (4) Commitment to the profession and advocacy. The findings of the study produced a potential blue-print for the hiring process, as an exceptional amount of experience, foresight, and wisdom was shared by the participants