|
Studies show that two-thirds (sixty-seven percent) of offenders were re-arrested for “serious” crimes. In this article, we are going to investigate new methodology that can decrease the prison recidivism rate. Let’s look at some basic statistics: 1. One in four adults has a criminal record 2. Prisons will eventually release 95% of all their inmates back in to their communities 3. Fewer than half will have jobs 4. Two-thirds (sixty-seven) of offenders were arrested for “serious” crimes 5. Fifty-two percent of the offenders were returned to prison for “serious” crimes and technical violations (they didn’t follow the rules of their release after prison) 6. Nearly 700,000 offenders are released each year from prisons Now let’s break these facts down a little further: Of the offenders with one arrest prior to their release, Almost 41 percent were rearrested. Those that had two prior arrests, around 47 percent returned to prison. If they had three earlier arrests, 55 percent were incarcerated. Among those with more than 5 prior arrests, 82 percent were back in prison within a three-year period. One of the methods for keeping ex-cons from returning to their life of crime is the in-prison job training programs. Having a job gives the recently incarcerated a sense of worth and a way to support themselves. But job training is only part of the solution. What they really need to know is: Job Readiness (also known as soft skills). They need to know what to expect on the job and what the employer will expect from them. It is not enough to just get them a job; they must KEEP it and grow within the organization. Most offenders have never had a real job and do not know how to act in a working environment. In addition, they often feel that everyone is watching them closely and so do not entirely trust them and they find it difficult to trust their employers and new associates. A comprehensive Job Readiness program will enhance their chance to become successful. The best Job Readiness program should include (at a minimum) the following key points: 1. Getting to work on time 2. Managing your time 3. How to handle absences 4. Workplace protocols for breaks and lunches 5. Learning to be a team player 6. Workplace dress codes 7. Individual responsibility in workplace 8. How to be professional 9. How to handle criticism 10. Handling changes in the workplace It would be impossible to play baseball or football without knowing the rules of the game, you would end up doing EVERYTHING wrong! It is the same in the workplace. If you don’t know the rules you will soon be out of a job. A concise and complete Job Readiness program will prepare the recently released for the real world without making them “guess” at what is needed. Of course, Job Readiness is only one of the many attributes needed for a successful return to a productive honest living, but it is crucial. Jim Stedt is a partner at The Business SoftSkills Company (GetSoftSkillsNow.Com) located in Santa Ana, California. They provide job readiness and workforce success videos for education, business, prisons and individual use. Training is available online, on DVD, or through an affiliate program. These products are the most complete and concise soft skills training packages now available for the price of an average college textbook.
Related Articles -
Prison reform, recidivism, soft skills,
| 
