Correctional Programs of America

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Serving time is not a waste of time. While an inmate is incarcerated, he or she has every opportunity to better themselves and prepare for their impending re-entry into society. Jails and prisons alike offer rehabilitative programs. These programs allow every inmate an equal opportunity to return to the outside world as a better and more productive member of society. Educational, vocational training, work release, drug-abuse, self-help, health care, religious, and finally recreational programs are just a few of the hundreds of correctional programs that inmates can participate in. Due to these programs, positive changes within an inmates life, as well as drastic changes in our society, are entirely within reach. Educational programs in correctional institutions began around the time correctional facilities were being introduced. William Rogers began instructing student inmates, in 1789, at the Philadelphia Walnut Street Jail. Rogers established what is now known as the “Sabbath School”. The “Sabbath School” existed from 1789 to about 1875. Within this period, members of the clergy focused on teaching to read. The clergy strove for every inmate to be able to read the Bible. Zebulon Brockway assisted Rogers goal from 1876 until 1900. At the Elmira Reformatory, in Upstate New York, Brockway transformed the Reformatory into a school for inmates. Many educated inmates began instructing other inmates, and some willing professors were brought in to teach geography and natural sciences. In 1882, a summer school began at the Elmira Reformatory. Rogers and Brockway formed the way for the educational programs in our present correctional institutions. Today, based on many facts, researchers are led to believe that correctional educational... ... middle of paper ... ...Washington: Vol.12, Iss.12; p.2. Carter, M., Russell, K.,(2005). What Is the Perceived Worth of Recreation? Results From a County Jail Study. Corrections Today. Lanham: Vol.67, Iss.3; p. 80. Cei, L.,(2010). Faith-Based Programs Are Low-Cost Ways to Reduce Recidivism. Corrections Today. Lanham: Vol.72, Iss.4; p.48. Coyne, R., Green,R.,( 2008). Standards of Care: Advancing Inmate Health Care Through Performance- Based Outcomes. Corrections Today. Lanham: Vol.70, Iss.3; p.50. Davis, L., Bozick, R., Saunders, J.(2011). Journal of Correctional Education. Lanham:Vol.62, Iss. 1;p.4. DelliCarpini, M.(2010). Journal of Correctional Education. Lanham: Vol.61, Iss.4; p.283. Shepard, J.(1999). State's 1913 Reform Is A National Model. The Capital Times. (Madison, WI) Tighe,F., O'Malley,K. (2010). A Journey Forward. American Jails. Hagerstown: Vol.24, Iss.3; p.19.

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