corrections task force project

Running Head : Corrections

Corrections Task Force

Name

College /University

The growing population of inmates in jails , as well as high rates in recidivism , is bringing about congestion in prison . One solution to address the problematic situation of overpopulation in jails is to employ programs or policies that would reintegrate offenders to society to lessen the populace in prisons . An example of an efficient program that is in line with the objective of societal reintegration and decreasing inmate population is the implementation of weekend prisons Weekend prisons allow inmates , limited

to specific offenses and criminal violations , to spend the rest of their sentence in their houses . Inmates will be screened according to the criminal violation , behavior in prison , and the duration of sentence in to determine whether they will be allowed to spend their sentences at home (Johnston , 2002

Weekend prison is similar to halfway houses , however , the difference lies in the activities that offenders are allowed to do while outside prison . In weekend prison , offenders are allowed to go to work and spend time with their family . Counseling and the involvement of inmates to other recreational and significant programs are also other strategies for reintegrating them to society . Counseling services for inmates allows them to be involved in a process that focuses on their inner self . Counseling is guiding individuals to take the right direction for living , consequently assisting offenders to determine right from wrong Counseling programs may lessen recidivism , thus lowering jail population . Reintegration into society may be achieved by prisoners providing them services that are inaccessible inside prison . For instance , allowing them to gain access to libraries , medical care , and parenting classes for parent offenders (Roanoke , 2008

Alternative incarceration should also be implemented for minor offenders . Not only foes alternative incarceration lessen the population in prison , but it also helps in preventing minors from engaging in criminal activities in the future . Redirection programs are the most efficient ways of countering juvenile delinquency . Redirection programs do not require minors to be confined in jail , but instead compels them to be absorbed in constructive activities that are practical and beneficial to them . Redirection programs necessitate minor offenders attendance to program meetings limited to two days in one month wherein s about relevant issues , such as consequences of drug addiction and other delinquent activities , as well as life skills , are discussed . In addition , minor offenders are required to complete a specific number of hours for community service . Minor offenders , most officially those who were involved in non-violent criminal activities need not undergo incarceration but should be subjected to redirection programs instead (Hodnett , 2008 References

Hodnett , E (2008 . Alternative to Jailing Juveniles ' Retrieved August 17 , 2008 , from

Consolidated Publishing . Website : HYPERLINK "http /www .thestclairtimes .com /news /2008 /st-local-0626-ehodnett-8f26q23 19 .htm http /www .thestclairtimes .com /news /2008 /st-local-0626-ehodnett-8f26q231 9 .htm

Johnston ,

(2002 . Blunkett Plan for Weekend Prisons to Reduce Overcrowding ' Retrieved

August 17 , 2008 , from Telegraph Media Group Limited . Website HYPERLINK "http /www .telegraph .co .uk /news /uknews /1383678 /Blunkett-plan-for-weeken d-prisons-to-reduce-overcrowding...