A first-of-its-kind study in Australia is looking at ways to support sex offenders to restart their lives after prison. Research shows this can reduce recidivism by 88%.
The effective response to crime has always been a matter of debate. But evidence is mounting in favour of treatment and support, rather than punishment.
Through stories of redemption, a professor who oversees a Maryland prison education program says the time has come to restore federal financial aid for America’s incarcerated.
In a pilot program, older prisoners sentenced to life mentor younger prisoners who have a chance to lead productive, lawful lives when they get out. The focus is on healing trauma.
New research shows that when ex-offenders are told they’re able to vote, their attitudes about democracy and justice improve. A November ballot measure in Florida hangs in the balance.
Jenni Henderson, The Conversation and Josh Nicholas, The Conversation
Business Briefing: the business of prisons
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Prisons are big business in Australia. Companies not only run entire prisons but provide many of the services. But what does the research say about the impact?
The Supreme Court may soon hear a case on data-driven criminal sentencing. Research suggests that algorithms are not as good as we think they are at making these decisions.
Repealing a legal provision that excludes people in prison or jail from Medicaid could improve access to treatment, save state and local governments money and reduce recidivism.
Reducing stubbornly high levels of violence can be achieved if there is a focus on ensuring that children are not exposed to violence or toxic stress at home.
Case management from nurses combined with peer coaching from ex-offenders helps recently released parolees avoid the behavior that got them locked up in the first place.
Data-driven algorithms drive decision-making in ways that touch our economic, social and civic lives. But they contain inherent biases and assumptions that are too often invisible to the public.
President Obama wants to reopen access to Pell grants to prisoners. Studies show when men and women enroll in college programs, they are less likely to return to prison.