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What you can do to reduce recidivism
 Recidivism, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, is “a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior; especially: relapse into criminal behavior.”
The behavior(s) behind recidivism can be compared to the behavior of any addicton. It is a learned behavior that is conditioned by the social environment that many are forced to live in as children. It can occur from the financial pressures of not being able to find sustainable work, or because some individuals lack proper parental guidance, etc.
The point is, it is a learned behavior that can be unlearned. Through proper guidance and from encouragement and given direction, many men and women can learn to live productive, responsible, and determined lives. Here are some of the things you can do to help.
1. Make contact, write and correspond with a prisoner
There are over two and half million people in prison, men and women, with most losing contact to the outside world after 3 years. Many of these people are people like you who also had at times in your lives needed advice, direction, guidance, encouragement and support to make right decisions. Many of these prisoners came from broken homes, lack guidance and direction, and never developed the social skills necessary to function normally in society. Many of these men and women were your neighbors, brothers, sisters and family members who made poor choices, lack judgment, or simply made terrible mistakes in their lives. However, once in prison, that person becomes part of that environment, harsh, dangerous, and lonely with little or no chance to share their concerns or the pain they experience with anyone…the same feelings of loneliness, despair, and even hopelessness that you yourself may have experience in your lifetime. Now, just imagine, you being the one in their shoes…
By making the initial contact with a prisoner, you can help reduce recidivism in a person’s life. Overtime, your direction, guidance and support will make a difference. It only takes a few minutes to drop someone a line…it is the beginning to making a real change in someone who needs help.
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Facts to consider:
- The US has the largest incarceration rate (25%), more than any other country.
- 1 in every 100 persons in the US is in prison
- Half of all crimes committed happen as the result of drug or alcohol usage
- 2 in 5 inmates lack a high school education
- 95% of prisoners will return to society
- 700,00 revolve in and out of prison each year
- More than 80,000 inmates nationwide are separated and kept in isolation
- It costs the taxpayers over 68 billion dollars a year to house prisoners
- There are over 1.7 million children who have parents in prison
Watch this short video clip of the documentary produced by the National Geographic Society.
Visit our forum, The Wall to learn more about prison, prisoners, and those affected by recidivism.
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2. Learn about the prison environment, and how the effects of incarceration can create recidivism behavior in people.
Prisons are a harsh reality, yet, many people do not understand how harsh the prison environment people must endure, sometimes for long years at a time are. The brutal realities of prison are constant threats to violence, fear, and loneliness.
After years of being told what to eat, when to sleep and how long you have to take
a shower leads to institutionalization. After many years of living under those conditions, many have trouble adjusting to normal social environments. But your words of encouragement can give hope.
3. Get involved
There are millions of people being affected by the attitudes and behavior that leads to recidivism. Yet, you as one individual can help…and your efforts will pay off. Review the list of things that you can do to help…see what you can do to change a life.
- Provide Encouragement - a simple letter to a prisoner can give people courage to change
- Instill Hope - after years of living in a prison, many just give up on themselves, give hope
- Provide Literature - reading books, sharing information can begin the path to learning
- Give Support - many prisoners have talents, provide arts and crafts
- Become a Mentor - share you talents with prisoners, and mentor someone into a career
- Advocate - Help those who are trying to save themselves for years of imprisonment
- Help to Educate - give your guidance and advice, provide educational material to learn
- Guide and Direct - take the hand of another person, and guide them in the right direction
- Inspire - share your truths, and "wow" them with inspiration
- Become a Friend - be a friend
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