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Correctional Systems: Rethinking the Notion of Education in Rehabilitation.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Correctional Systems: Rethinking the Notion of Education in Rehabilitation.
Language: English
Authors: Marbley, Aretha F., Ferguson, Ralph, Henderson,
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 1999
Document Type: Opinion Papers
Descriptors: Adult Education, Correctional Education, Correctional Rehabilitation, Crime, Policy Formation, Prisoners, Probationary Period, Public Policy, Recidivism, State Legislation
Abstract: The groundwork for rethinking the notion of education in rehabilitation has been laid by the correctional system's failure to create a rehabilitation mentality in prison inmates and to inform inmates of their right to file for expungement. State legislatures may need to amend their expunction statute to serve those former convicted felons who are successfully building new lives. If they serve their time, abide by the terms of their probations, and get reinstated to full citizenship, low- or no-risk probationers can become assets to their communities. As part of the educational program, prisoners should learn that, after successfully serving time and completing probation, expungement is available for a fresh start. Full reinstatement does not send the message that crime pays. Rather, the test for expungement remains strenuous and sends the message "Why put your rights and privileges at risk by participating in crimes?" The expungement process contributes positively to society. It contributes to the economic gains of society through employment and lower recidivism rates, thereby reducing the numbers of prisoners for society to support. Family and community structures of former inmates whose records have been expunged are strengthened. Rethinking the notion of education in rehabilitation by educating society and inmates on the expungement process will successfully reform the mentality of the correctional system to its original purpose of rehabilitation. (YLB)
Entry Date: 1999
Accession Number: ED428187
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The groundwork for rethinking the notion of education in rehabilitation has been laid by the correctional system's failure to create a rehabilitation mentality in prison inmates and to inform inmates of their right to file for expungement. State legislatures may need to amend their expunction statute to serve those former convicted felons who are successfully building new lives. If they serve their time, abide by the terms of their probations, and get reinstated to full citizenship, low- or no-risk probationers can become assets to their communities. As part of the educational program, prisoners should learn that, after successfully serving time and completing probation, expungement is available for a fresh start. Full reinstatement does not send the message that crime pays. Rather, the test for expungement remains strenuous and sends the message "Why put your rights and privileges at risk by participating in crimes?" The expungement process contributes positively to society. It contributes to the economic gains of society through employment and lower recidivism rates, thereby reducing the numbers of prisoners for society to support. Family and community structures of former inmates whose records have been expunged are strengthened. Rethinking the notion of education in rehabilitation by educating society and inmates on the expungement process will successfully reform the mentality of the correctional system to its original purpose of rehabilitation. (YLB)