Reference no: EM133795880

Changing the way we Punish Deviant Behavior: Reforms that Boost Rehabilitation & Lower Recidivism

In 2014, PBS examined the reform movement in the criminal justice system. The discussion is still pertinent today. Bryan Stevenson notes that over-incarceration is the problem in the criminal justice system that most needs to be addressed. Pat Nolan notes: We are not incarcerating people we are afraid of, we are just incarcerating people we are mad at.

Jail diversion programs emphasize alternative solutions to incarceration. These programs address the underlying problems that led to someone engage in criminalized behavior. In the case of drug courts, nonviolent drug offenders are diverted from jail or prison and provided evidenced-based treatment and support. Those who work in this system view addiction as a disease. I have conducted research on drug courts as part of an evaluation team and have reported many positive outcomes not only for the individual but their family and community as well. And while the graduation video is from 2009, it is similar to drug court graduations that occur across the U.S. today.

Watch these videos:

Debating reforms to boost rehabilitation, lower recidivism

Drug court graduation day

Instructions: Watch the videos. Then respond to each of the prompts below.

1. What are your thoughts related to jail diversion programs? Identify some of the benefits and some of the challenges related to these types of programs.
2. How important do you think rehabilitation (education, skill-acquisition, anger management classes, etc.) is to reducing recidivism? Additionally, why is rehabilitation a key factor to reducing recidivism? Incorporate an example into your response.
3. Identify and discuss which reform(s) you think would be most helpful to lower recidivism. Explain.