Rehab in Prison

There have been numerous studies that show that when prisoners get rehabilitated while incarcerated that there is a trend of them being productive citizens once released back into society.  Through the many educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities that may be offered at various prisons, prisoners have opportunities to improve their outlook on attaining a level of success at the end of their prison sentence.

One advantage of these programs for prisoners is that it greatly reduces the chances of prisoners’ recidivating because it teaches them skills and gives them something to want to work towards so that they may be as productive as possible once they are released.  According to U.S. Department of Justice, 67% of inmates who don’t partake in the programs, once released commit crimes again and have to come back to prison. The percentage of inmates that take part in the programs that get out and lead productive lives, however, only 22% are sent back.  

While studies show that these programs tend to be a good thing, there are many who oppose the practices of offering such to inmates.  The argument that most of the critics have is that by offering these programs to prisoners is that it takes jobs away from those that are out of work and needing jobs and that it doesn’t help the state economy.  They also argue that even though prisoners get this training on the inside, that when released they are still at the mercy of the criminal background check for the employers.  Other critics say that providing inmates rehab opportunities during incarcerated beats the idea of being incarcerated.

In spite of all the critics though, inmates who have taken advantage of these programs has proven to be quite beneficial. Inmates have proven to be more productive and better citizens once released from their sentences.  These programs give inmates valuable skills that they employ in other avenues life to help them as well.  A well rehabilitated inmate, once released, have their lives filled with purpose and couple that with the skills they’ve learned gives them hope that they will lead a normal life back in society.