Correctional Facilities in The United States Essay

Throughout United States correctional history, it has been heavily debated as to whether or not prisons have positive effects on inmates and society. Today, many prisons attempt to have a positive impact on the lives of the inmates, while giving society the satisfaction on punishing criminals. The correctional system achieves this goal through the use of four techniques. The four techniques used by the correctional system include rehabilitation, deterrence, incapacitation, and retribution. These four methods work individually as well as collectively to produce felons who can be productive citizens of society. Firstly, one main, effective method used by correctional facilities today is rehabilitation. Prisons aim of rehabilitation is to†¦show more content†¦(Cei) The effects of rehabilitation programs are influential to other inmates as well. In â€Å"A Pleas For Help† an uneducated inmate realized that the effects would help him to never return to prison. The inmate w as quoted saying, â€Å"Please give me some education, or a trade, because I don’t want to come back to prison.† (Cei) This show the positive effects of such programs will give this inmate a chance to be productive in society. Correctional facilities use a wide range of programs to effectively rehabilitate inmates. There are two categories for correctional programs, one category is habilitative services, and the other is treatment programs. Habilitative services aim to teach inmates basic skills needed for a productive life in society. These skills include education classes on reading and writing, vocational training, religious programs, and life skill development. Education programs are the most effective in prison because they help reduce recidivism by encouraging self-discipline, and promoting a sense of investment that discourages criminality. Also, recidivism is reduced through academic programs by increasing an offender’s post release earnings and job secu rity. (Quinn 249) All federal prisons, and 91% of states prisons offer educational programs. This is significant because having the ability to read and write and essential for daily tasks in everyday life. If inmates are determined enough to become productive citizens, prisons also offer GED preparationShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Prison Facilities On The United States Correctional Facilities1518 Words   |  7 PagesCorrectional facilities have been gradually changing over time. The introduction of education is one of the advantages that come from the modern day prisons. Many prisoners are now able to read and earn educational accolades which in prison. Such people as this paper has found out fit better after their jail term in the society. There are thus programs set aside in order to help prisoners gain special skills which help them to secure jobs after their sentence. 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