Opening Session Monday, Aug. 2, 2004
J.C. Watts Encourages Attendees to Add "Wealth" to Their Lives
If it were not for the people who added value and real wealth to his life along the way, college football star and former U.S. Congressman J.C. Watts Jr. said during the Opening Session that he could have graduated from a correctional facility rather than the University of Oklahoma in 1981.
Today, society expects corrections professionals to "perform miracles," explained Watts, because they are in the trenches daily dealing with the growing population of those under correctional supervision. Corrections professionals are, in most cases, he said, the last best hope these offenders have to be able to successfully return to society. But the reality is, these people are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters, who could have been positively impacted by those around them before they reached the prison system. So if his child were to end up in the correctional system, Watts said, he would have to ask himself what he had done as a father to keep her out of prison. He continued that everyone in the audience should, as he often does himself, look into the mirror and ask themselves whether they are the solution or the problem.
In many ways, Watts continued, we have all contributed to the workload of the members of the American Correctional Association in some small way. In today's society, he said, "we have become so jaded and we've become so hard-hearted and a society that says, 'Don't turn the other cheek, don't say you're sorry because it makes you look weak ... do it to them, before they do it to you.' And it is the ideology we have advocated as a nation for so long ... if we continue to advocate that ideology somewhere along the way we all will pay a price."
To illustrate his point, Watts told attendees that if they find that their house is flooded when they return from the conference, using a mop will not do much good. Instead, finding the source of the problem ensures a much better chance of fixing it. The same is true with what is going on in society.
While conference attendees will be discussing policies and procedures, this week, as well as best practices and “what works,” Watts said he wanted to provide some common sense solutions to the larger problem of increasing prison populations. "It will be a glorious day one day if we can put every one of you out of work," said Watts , who served four terms as a Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives before retiring.
Watts said the solution is to accumulate real wealth in life. True wealth, he explained cannot be bought or sold, or deposited in a bank. It does not come easily, it is difficult to apply and will not accumulate overnight. In fact, true wealth may not be realized during one's lifetime.
It is important for people to challenge themselves, Watts continued, to add real value to their work and relationships so that people do not end up in correctional facilities. It is especially important for corrections professionals because their work with offenders may be the last opportunity to make a positive impact.
Watts said he does not get up in the morning and just punch a clock and play a role, such as the role of congressman or the role of youth pastor. Instead, he said, he challenges himself, as we all should, to add value to his work and relationships.
Watts listed seven ways to acquire real and lasting wealth. First, he said, be a friend to yourself. Second, understand that to have friends you must be a friend. Third, speak encouraging words. Just think, he said, how differently it might have turned out for any one offender had he or she heard encouraging words. "The biggest lie to ever come down the pike: 'Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me.' Words do hurt," Watts said. Fourth, become a good listener because often we listen to respond rather than listen to hear. Fifth, do not hold anger because that will become bitterness, which will then become hatred “and hatred will imprison you.” Sixth, learn to laugh. And finally, learn to say, "I love you" more. "I am so thankful for what I have been able to experience over the last 46 years of living. I haven't made all the right choices. I've made some dumb decisions, I've made some good decisions in my life," Watts said.
"Fortunately, because I was around people in my life — parents, grandmother, coaches, pastors — who were friends to themselves and became friends, knew how to laugh and spoke encouraging words, did not hold anger and said the words, 'I love you,' it's amazing that had it not been for those people in my life that in 1981, when I graduated from the University of Oklahoma, I very likely could have been graduating rather than from a public educational facility, I very likely could have been graduating from a public correctional facility."
Watts said now is the time to ask yourself if you are creating real wealth in your relationships. He also thanked attendees for doing what they do in corrections and underscored his point by saying, if he as a parent does not take seriously what his children deal with daily in 2004, then there is a real chance they will be in contact with corrections professionals.
Watts closed by saying that what each state is going through affects the entire country because "we really are all tied together. ... If we join hands and do it together, I do believe that many young men and young women, they would never show up in your facilities."
After Watts ' speech, three awards were presented. The Walter Dunbar Accreditation Achievement Award, which honors individuals who have shown outstanding performance in the ACA accreditation process, was given to Lt. Col. David Haasenritter (retired), program manager, Army Corrections. Upon accepting the award, Haasenritter said, "I'm honored by this. ... I'm really humbled but I'll only accept if for all the soldiers, the sailors, the marines and the airmen and civilians that work in our correctional facilities. They really do all the hard work." The Golden Eagle Award was awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Correction for its exceptional facilities, which have passed accreditation. DOC Commissioner Kathleen Dennehy accepted the award on behalf of the department. "I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the work of all the previous commissioners, but most importantly, the staff members who are here today from Massachusetts . ... Congratulations to you folks who have done all the work." The final honoree was the Virginia Correctional Association, which was presented with the Blanche La Du Award for being the ACA chapter/affiliate with the greatest percentage of membership growth during the past year. The implementation of a payroll deduction program for collecting dues was, in part, responsible for VCA's increased membership. VCA President Gary Bass accepted the award on behalf of his association, saying, "I am certainly pleased to accept this award, and we will try to continue this tradition and be up here again next year.
Outgoing ACA President Charles Kehoe Reflects On His Tenure
During the Opening Session, ACA President Charles J. Kehoe reflected on his presidential term, highlighting the accomplishments ACA has had during the past two years. In his final speech as ACA president, Kehoe recognized numerous individuals who have helped him, and the Association as a whole, to reach the achievements that have been met.
"As the president of our Association for the past two years, I have been proud to work with some of the hardest working people in the field of corrections," Kehoe said. "What has been accomplished over the past two years, by our ACA staff and hundreds of volunteers working on over 50 different committees, as well as those in the affiliate organizations and state chapters, is nothing short of fantastic." Perhaps the largest accomplishment during Kehoe's presidency was the receipt of a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund the Building a Correctional Workforce for the 21st Century initiative.
Among many of the achievements during his term, Kehoe mentioned a few, including the creation of the Human Resources Committee, which provides information on recruitment, hiring and retention strategies in corrections; a joint venture with the American Probation and Parole Association and the ACA Facility Design Committee that resulted in the drafting of a guidance document and proposed standards for designing and remodeling probation, parole and community corrections offices that will emphasizes officer and staff safety; the proposal of a formalized international scholarship program that will enable correctional leaders in developing nations to attend future Congresses of Correction under an ACA scholarship; and what Kehoe described as "one of the most exciting ventures I have seen in my 35 years as an ACA member" — a plan to take surplus health care materials from correctional facilities, nursing homes and other health care facilities and distribute them to developing countries.
Kehoe also illustrated the appreciation he has for the U.S. military, as he has had many opportunities to meet with the troops who are assigned jobs in corrections both in the United States and abroad. "Probably the single greatest experience over these past two years as president of ACA has been the opportunity to work closely with our armed services, especially those serving in the U.S. Army Military Police." In closing, Kehoe said, "It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve as your president of the American Correctional Association."
E.R. Cass Correctional Achievement Award Winners
- Betty Adams Green
- Geno Nataluccu-Persichetti
Betty Adams Green
Q&A With E.R. Cass Award Recipient Betty Adams Green
This is the first of two articles on the 2004 E.R. Cass Award recipients. The second one highlighting Geno Natalucci-Persichetti will appear on our Web site on Wednesday.
Since 1998, Betty Adams Green has served as judge of the Davidson County Juvenile Court in Tennessee , where she has worked tirelessly to ensure that the youths of Nashville receive fair and equitable treatment. However, it is not only through her current position that she has been dedicated to juvenile offenders. During Judge Green's entire corrections career, which spans more than 30 years, she has been an ardent advocate for the well-being of young offenders.
From 1988 to 1995, Judge Green was appointed commissioner designee and then commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Youth Development. This appointment came at a time when the administration was planning for the separation of the Juvenile Division from the Department of Correction, and to form a new agency specifically designed to meet the needs of juvenile offenders. This separation, transition and development of the new agency was accomplished with few problems, and this success was largely due to her strong leadership.
Judge Green also has supported ACA through her service as both vice president, from 1994 to 1996, and president, from 2000 to 2002. She also has been active on the ACA Executive Committee, Board of Governors, Standards Committee and Past President's Council.
How and why did you first get involved in corrections?
In the summer between my freshman and sophomore years in college at Vanderbilt University , I needed a summer job. Since there were no fast food restaurants or obvious places to look for jobs, I contacted the Tennessee Vocational School for Girls, a correctional facility for girls ages 12 to 21, which was just outside of town. I was hired for the summer to fill in for teachers and vocational staff while they were on vacation. I fell in love with the work — the girls were not much younger than me but we came from very different life experiences. I enjoyed the work so much that I volunteered to teach swimming after hours and assist with the recreational program. By the end of the summer, I was making plans to return the following summer, and I did. I worked there every summer until I graduated from college, and then returned as a teacher for grades K-12.
What do you feel have been your greatest accomplishments throughout your career?
Probably the most challenging thing I have done was to participate in establishing a cabinet-level department to focus exclusively on juvenile corrections. I had the opportunity to assist in the development of the legislation creating the department, to design the organizational structure for the department and, most importantly, to shape the programs and policies and direction of the department. Within five years, all of our facilities, programs and our Central Office were accredited by ACA, and we had an outstanding system with progressive programs and appropriate security. Many of our youths went to college and/or worked in jobs in the community. This was at a time when many systems were eliminating programs and focusing on punitive efforts. We maintained excellent community support for our programs, which was no easy task during this period of “get tough” rhetoric.
What do you enjoy most about working in corrections?
Corrections is never dull — and rarely are we bored! It is a profession with numerous challenges, and unlimited opportunities to make positive change. It is also a profession that requires focus, commitment and creativity.
What has been the most challenging aspect(s) of your career?
The political environment has probably been the single most challenging aspect of my career in corrections. We operate in a political environment and are dependent on our funding from state or local government. We live in a society that is shaped more and more by television sound bites and rhetoric, which often make assumptions with no factual information. We frequently find our funding driven by well-intentioned but uninformed mandates that detract from the overall operations of our departments. We have to advocate for programs, facilities, staff, etc., in an environment that has its own agenda.
What do you currently think is the most pressing issue facing juvenile corrections?
I think juvenile corrections must come to grips with its identity. We cannot espouse "treatment and rehabilitation" without also recognizing the importance of safety and security in our programs and facilities. I have no problem with either concept — in fact, I don't see how you can treat and rehabilitate individuals without safety and security. Discipline and structure are essential in all our lives — and especially so for our youths.
In what ways has ACA influenced your career?
ACA has provided a forum to interact with individuals from all aspects of corrections and to share ideas and experiences with them. I have found that through contact with others, many of whom are more experienced and much smarter than me, we all benefit and avoid making mistakes that others have already made. The ACA standards provide a guideline for all of us in corrections. While far from perfect, they offer a reality check for our programs and facilities, and provide a standard for operation that is accepted by the field. I believe my involvement with ACA standards has helped me maintain focus during difficult budget and legislative years.
What do you feel was your most significant contribution to ACA as its president?
I believe our focus on the Declaration of Principles was overdue. So much of our day-to-day work is occupied by budget issues, the crisis of the day or some public relations nightmare that we may forget the moral and ethical issues that we face each day. We are in the "people business" and that carries with it great responsibility. ACA's Declaration of Principles was right on target in 1870 and remains a code of conduct for us today. We have responsibilities to our staff, the youths, inmates, parolees, etc., with whom we work, and it is no easy task to maintain our professionalism in today's world. The Council of Past Presidents did an outstanding job of reviewing our principles — and we all need to be guided by them in our professional capacities.
How does it feel to be honored by ACA with the E.R. Cass Correctional Achievement Award?
I think the greatest honor that can be given to someone is recognition by his or her peers. They know us well — they know our strengths and our weaknesses. This is a tough, demanding profession that can be stressful and exhausting. In receiving the E.R. Cass Correctional Achievement Award, I feel a great deal of satisfaction in knowing that my peers are validating and acknowledging my 37 years in the profession. They, more than anyone else, should recognize positive contributions to our profession and our association.
Geno Natalucci-Persichetti
Q&A With E.R. Cass Award Recipient Geno Natalucci-Persichetti
Throughout his 37-year career, Geno Natalucci-Persichetti has been an example of professionalism and excellence in the corrections field. Beginning his career as a prison social worker in 1967, he has steadily progressed through the ranks and currently serves as director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services.
When Natalucci-Persichetti was appointed director by then Gov. Richard F. Celeste in 1987, he was challenged with reforming a system that saw a previous director serve a federal prison term for illegal activity. In 1991, Natalucci-Persichetti was re-appointed director by newly elected Gov. George Voinovich, and again selected by Gov. Bob Taft in 1999. As director, Natalucci-Persichetti has continuously worked for safer, more secure correctional facilities, improved quality of life and career enhancement opportunities for staff. Having held his position under the past three Ohio governors, Natalucci-Persichetti has proved that his leadership and professionalism transcend even state and local politics.
Some of the director's innovations in Ohio include the complete revamping of the state's juvenile justice system in partnership with the state's 88 county juvenile courts. Through the creation of the RECLAIM Ohio program, approximately $250 million has been provided for counties to purchase services for lower severity offenders in their home communities as an alternative to sending them to institutions, to help redirect juveniles to a crime-free life. In addition to the RECLAIM subsidy, since 1987, under Natalucci-
Persichetti's leadership, the department has provided more than $1 billion in capital, subsidy and operational dollars to local courts and communities.
As an active member of the American Correctional Association, Natalucci-Persichetti, has chaired and served on several ACA committees, including the Youthful Offender Task Force, the Juvenile Corrections Committee and the Standards Committee. In addition, the 29-year ACA member was elected as chairman of the Commission on Accreditation in 1998 and served until 2002.
Describe your reaction to being selected for the American Correctional Association's highest honor, the E.R. Cass Correctional Achievement Award.
I was overwhelmed. It is still hard to comprehend the impact of this honor.
You received your degree in social welfare and became a social worker in a prison at the beginning of your career. Why did you choose to work in a prison?
I had taken a number of criminology and penology courses, and I was fascinated with the field of corrections. I applied for a parole officer position initially and was told that I wasn't experienced enough. At the suggestion of the parole administer that interviewed me, I went to the Department of Corrections and applied for a social worker position with the intent to get the experience I needed, and then apply for the parole officer position. I was given a choice of three prisons by the DOC that needed social workers. I picked Lebanon Correctional Institution (LeCI), the newest prison in the state and one that I had the opportunity to tour as a part of one of my penology courses at Ohio State University . Those first few years working and learning at LeCI were memorable and the foundation for my 37 years in corrections.
What made you decide to stay in corrections?
I was hooked. I got a great deal of satisfaction out of working with offenders, their families, victims and the public. More important, it was the people I worked with in this business that make this profession a family and one that you don't want to leave.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career?
Trying to run a state corrections system, including maintaining constitutional conditions of confinement in the institutions and providing the needed services like mental health, drug treatment, sex offender treatment, etc., during times of tight budgets and limited resources. It's frustrating when you know what you would like to do optimally and have to prioritize to less than optimal.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career?
Having the opportunity to work in various aspects of corrections: public and private sector; adult and juvenile; institutional and community-based (including residential and parole).
What role has ACA played in your career success?
It has given me the opportunity to meet professionals from all aspects of corrections from all over North America , but also Canada , Eastern and Western Europe. What I have learned from these folks is immeasurable.
What would you say is your greatest achievement?
I have a lot of “favorites” that, as I look back, make me feel that I have at least made a difference. There are two in this category. One was my development of a community correctional facility for mentally retarded offenders. Today, I think it is the only Medicaid-approved Intermediate Care Facility for mentally retarded offenders in the United States . The other "achievement" was the establishment of a working relationship between the state juvenile corrections system and the 88 county juvenile court judges and court staff members, which is probably one of the best partnerships between the judicial and executive branches of government. This partnership has been key to establishing an effective juvenile justice infrastructure in our state.
What do you see in your future?
Good things: grandkids, eventual retirement from state service, some consulting and working in our family restaurant business.
Workshops
Workshop Addresses Animal-Assisted Therapy in Prison
Many corrections professionals may probably have heard of or seen firsthand the benefits of dogs in correctional facilities. Typically, in these situations, inmates are assigned a puppy to train in preparation for becoming a service dog or simply to be adopted by a family. However, there is a third way in which dogs can be used in a prison — as a therapeutic method offering psychological rehabilitation to juvenile offenders.
In the workshop “Animal-Assisted Therapy: Use of the Human-Animal Bond in Modifying Behaviors in Delinquent Youth,” presenter Judith Bush, a trainer for FRIENDS Animal Assisted Therapy in Illinois, explained the ways in which she uses her two golden retrievers to reach out to some of the juvenile offenders of Cook County, Ill. In a truly hands-on presentation, Bush involved both workshop attendees and her two dogs to illustrate how a typical session would be run and how the bond between humans and animals can aid in rehabilitating youths.
Studies have shown that there is a high correlation between children who abuse animals and future criminal behavior. Animal abuse is also the most reliable indicator of future violent behavior, Bush said. According to research on convicted sex offenders, 48 percent of rapists and 36 percent of child molesters admitted to acts of animal cruelty during their childhood, Bush explained. Animal-assisted therapy activities are geared toward positive interaction between the youths and the dog in an effort for them to no longer view animals as inanimate objects. Instead, the activities help instill kindness and respect toward the dog, and the youths slowly begin to develop a fondness for the dog, resulting in improved behavior.
The animal-assisted therapy program is run by nationally certified handlers and therapists who work with youths in goal-oriented programming. Through the use of praise, both for the dogs and the youths, communication and teamwork, the highly interactive sessions build self-esteem and confidence, and emphasize the use of manners among the youths. The program develops positive behaviors by using animals as an intervention tool. "These animals have proven to have a very profound effect on modifying antisocial behavior in delinquent youths," said Bush.
One sample activity involves the youths having the dogs follow their hang-gestured instructions to come and sit. They must call the dog over with one hand signal and then instruct the dog to sit with another hand directive. When the dog succeeds in the task, the youth must offer the dog a treat and offer praise for a job well done. At the same time, the youths are praised by the therapists for having followed instructions as well. This exchange of praise enhances the youths' self-esteem and confidence, Bush explained.
Team-building activities are rooted in role play. Mock situations include a trip to the veterinarian where one youth plays the part of the doctor (while wearing a white coat and donning a stethoscope) and another acts as the dog owner. Greetings are made with handshakes, and using "please" and "thank you" is greatly encouraged. Teamwork is also accomplished through group activities in instructing the dog to follow directions.
Bush said that sessions end with a cognitive activity, such as a word game using vocabulary learned during the program (doctor, leash, etc.), where the goal is for the therapists to help assure that each youth receives 100 percent for getting everything correct. This is one final way to encourage the youths' participation and offer them praise for a job well done. When sessions with the youths are complete, Bush explained, they are typically more open to interacting with the dogs, the other youths and the therapist. Animal-assisted therapy is not a diagnostic tool, but it is therapeutically driven and has proved to help youths cope with their behavioral problems — a positive step toward rehabilitation for the youths ending up in the correctional system.
Changing Criminal Thinking Begins By Renewing the Mind
Changing criminal thinking through cognitive-behavioral approaches has proved to be very successful. In Indiana , religion staff in correctional facilities have used religious resources found in scriptures and sacred songs to provide a healing environment conducive to changes in thinking errors. In the workshop "Renewing the Mind: Using Religious Resources to Correct Criminal Thinking Errors," the presenters explained how verses in religious texts can aid inmates in identifying and changing their criminal thinking behavior.
The workshop presenters were the Rev. Janet Casey-Allen, chaplain, Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility; the Rev. John C. Neece, chaplain, Plainfield Juvenile Correctional Facility; and the Rev. Doris Woodruff-Filbey, acting director, religious services, Division of Juvenile Services, Indianapolis.
The Thinking for a Change program was developed by Indiana Department of Correction chaplains and is a scripture-based cognitive rethinking program that provides insight from three different fields of study — psychology, criminology and theology. The psychology aspect relies on the fact that an individual's thought processes have a direct effect on his or her reactions and feelings. Unhealthy thinking errors affect the ways in which people live their lives. Criminology research has proved that programs that address the thinking process are the most effective in preventing a return to criminal behavior after release. The theology piece answers the question, "How can I use my faith as a resource to address my problem thinking and problem behavior?" According to the presenters, these three components have been used to positively impact the youths who have participated in the program. The goal is to build a more positive community by focusing on relationships and the kind of behaviors that get people into trouble.
The idea behind the program is to connect the 10 thinking errors to biblical passages. Because the program is voluntary, those who have no interest in religion are not required to participate. At the same time, since the majority of the chaplains who conduct these sessions are ordained or specialize in the Christian faith, the lessons are based on the Bible. However, the presenters said, it can be applied to any religious text to involve any and all faith groups.
The thinking errors range in topic from victimstance ("Everything that I do that's wrong is someone else's fault.") to ownership ("The world owes me; so you're mine."). In the case of victimstance, the story of Adam and Eve can be used to illustrate why it is wrong for the characters to blame others for their deeds — Eve blames the serpent for giving her the apple and Adam blames God for creating Eve who gave him the fruit. Program participants analyze the thinking of the characters and are encouraged to discuss situations that they have experienced that illustrate the particular thinking error, and the consequences that could have resulted had things been done differently such as if Eve had simply apologized for her wrongdoing.
Through such activities, the workshop presenters said, the youths change the way that they think and how they handle situations. Although the ultimate goal of this program is to reduce recidivism, the workshop presenters explained that they know that a program like Thinking for a Change alone cannot complete this goal. However, the program has improved the youths' conduct, in fact, there have been fewer infractions and there is a better community environment within the facility.
Assisting Inmates in the Restoration of Federal Benefits
Helping inmates apply for reinstatement of federal benefits upon release from correctional facilities benefits both correctional agencies and offenders, as was discussed during the workshop “Loss and Restoration of Benefits for Inmates: The Basics and Developments.”
Catherine Conly, a consultant for the National Institute of Justice, discussed benefit restoration programs in Philadelphia, Texas and New York, which have each seen some measure of success. During her presentation, Conly explained that because the benefits application process takes some time and requires considerable documentation, agencies should begin applying for benefits prior to releasing inmates. Obtaining benefits, Conly said, most likely helps to reduce recidivism because offenders are provided some resources to help them transition back into the community. Also, if the offenders have benefits upon release, it reduces the costs to correctional agencies. Further, the expanded resources that are realized as a result of more offenders obtaining federal assistance allows correctional agencies to increase the number of clients they can serve.
In an effort to reduce jail overcrowding, Philadelphia created the Forensic Intensive Recovery Program in 1993. With a budget of $3.3 million, the initial goal was to move 250 offenders into substance abuse treatment. However, the city waited until after the offenders were released to begin the paperwork process. As a result, chaos ensued because the offenders were seeking services from many different providers across the city, and there was a disruption of treatment. Also, public money had to be used to pay for services while the paperwork was being processed. To address this situation and streamline the process, staff were hired to gather the information for the application process, determine what, if any, funds the offender is eligible for and follow it through to completion before release. By streamlining the process, there was a dramatic increase in the number of people who received medical assistance, from 38 percent in 2000 to 90 percent in 2001, reported Conly. Additionally, the number of people served increased from 250 to 1,300 without an increase in the jail’s core funding. Further, there was a decline in the client flight rate, which reduced the amount of disruption to treatment.
Since the late 1980s, continued Conly, the Texas Correctional Office of Offenders With Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI) has focused on inmates with special needs. As with Philadelphia, the agency had been waiting until after offenders were released to file benefits applications. Again, while the applications were being processed, the correctional agency had to pay for the services and fewer clients were being served. In 1999, TCOOMMI entered into an agreement with the Social Security Administration that allows offenders to file benefits applications 90 days prior to release. It also developed partnerships with dedicated staff to assemble the documentation, put the package together and track it. After release, the population is still tracked to ensure that they receive their benefits or to file appeals on their behalf. A major factor in the agency’s success is Texas legislation that facilitates information sharing without signed waivers from inmates. Through this effort, 49 percent of initial applications were approved during fiscal year 2002, compared with a 38 percent first-time approval rate for the general population. Texas is looking to address the fact that when inmates are approached many refuse to file benefits applications. During fiscal year 2002, only 610 offenders wanted to file paperwork out of 1,700.
A similar program was implemented in New York. Facility parole staff gather the information for the physically ill, mental health staff pull the information for the mentally ill and field parole staff follow up with offenders once they are released. Although there is no hard data, it is estimated that 200 to 400 applications have been received per year, which is low considering about 17,000 were released in 2002. New York is having difficulty with people not showing up at the parole offices. As a result, if applications are pending and additional information is required from an offender who has disappeared, the process is terminated.
Conly pointed out several lessons that came out of the results of the three programs, including partnerships are essential, dedicating staff has its rewards, filling gaps until benefits commence is essential, tracking outcomes is beneficial, centralizing operations reduces delays and improves communication, and assisting mentally ill offenders poses special challenges. In concluding her presentation, Conly recommended that correctional agencies screen inmates on entry because they may have applications pending and request feedback reports from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Joseph Morrissey, professor and deputy director of the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, presented preliminary findings from his two-year study to determine if the presence of medical benefits affected the recidivism rates of offenders with serious mental illness. He studied the target offender populations in King County (Seattle), Washington, and Pinellas County, Fla., following each offender for one year. The study was set up to determine three things: does having medical benefits make a difference in terms of recidivism, how often are offenders with and without those benefits arrested within a year and how serious are the crimes for which they have been reincarcerated? During the presentation, Morrissey discussed the findings for the King County population. He found that 21 percent of the offenders with benefits were rearrested within 30 days, compared with 24 percent of those without benefits. After a year, 70 percent of offenders with or without benefits were rearrested at least once. Of those who were not arrested, 32 percent had medical benefits and 29 percent did not. Of those with one or two arrests, 40 percent had medical benefits and 38 percent did not. And of those with three or more arrests, 28 percent had medical benefits and 33 percent did not. The bulk of the offenses for both groups were misdemeanors. Morrissey concluded that Medicaid is not preventing arrests, but it is decreasing it. He added that benefits are necessary, but they are not enough to keep offenders with serious mental illness out of jail, he said. If these offenders are going to be successful in the community, their others needs must be met, including housing, employment and social support.
New Study Proves Education Reduces Recidivism
A three-state, three-year study that examined the effect of correctional education found that education of any form and at any capacity reduces recidivism in inmates. The Correctional Education Association’s results bring encouragement to corrections professionals that the numerous educational programs are indeed helping inmates remain out of prison after they are released.
CEA Executive Director Stephen Steurer, in the workshop "Correctional Education and Recidivism," presented the findings from some of the data that the association collected about Minnesota, Maryland and Ohio inmates (n = 3,099). CEA followed inmates from these three states for three years following their release. Criteria for participation in the study included the fact that the inmates participated in a formal education program (completion was not required), they were about to be released, and mentally ill inmates were excluded.
Steurer provided statistics that showed that inmates who participated in an educational program (regardless of the level and length of study) during their incarceration made $7,775.03 during their first year post-incarceration, compared with $5,980.63 earned by nonprogram participants during the same period. "If you go to school while incarcerated, you’re more likely, significantly so, statistically, to make more money, which is one of the things that keeps people out of prison," Steurer said. He noted, however, that the numbers leveled off at the two-year and three-year points for the inmates. "People who are involved in education seem to do better and the odds are the job situation" is better, Steurer added.
The CEA study also found that a lower percentage of program participants were rearrested, reconvicted and reincarcerated compared with nonprogram participants. Forty-eight percent of participants versus 57 percent of nonprogram participants were rearrested, 27 percent versus 35 percent were reconvicted, and 21 percent versus 31 percent were reincarcerated during the three-year period. Overall, Steurer said, this makes for a 29 percent drop in recidivism.
In correlation to the data that Steurer provided, Jerry McGlure, superintendent of the Ohio Central School System, presented the statistics specific to his state. Of the approximately 44,000 inmates in Ohio, more than half are involved in education programs, McGlure said. In Ohio, the participants in education had higher criminogenic factors than nonparticipants, he said, so all things being the same, the participants should have had higher recidivism rates. However, their recidivism rates were lower than the nonparticipant rates. Data from the Ohio system, one of the few state systems that provides college courses in prisons, indicates that those who completed college had the lowest recidivism rates of all program participants, McGlure said. Studies of Ohio inmates also found that inmates who receive their certificate closer to their release date lower their chance of recidivism by one-half.
Overall, CEA’s study indicates that education does make a significant difference, in terms of reduced recidivism and wages earned after incarceration, in the lives of offenders. For more information about the study, visit CEA’s Web site at www.ceanational.org.
ACA’s Seventh Charity Event Raises More Than $2,200
American Correctional Association members, leaders and staff generously supported a silent auction to benefit Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit housing organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness worldwide. The auction, which was held at the Congress of Correction in Chicago, raised more than $2,200 with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the housing charity.
The auction began Saturday, July 31, and ended Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 3. There were 150 bidders and many items donated by various ACA chapters’ members, agencies, correctional facilities and companies. Participants were able to place bids on a variety of items, including: two rocking dinosaurs from the Michigan Department of Corrections; a wooden Noah’s ark with animals donated by the Wisconsin Correctional Association and made by Waupun Correctional Instiute; a moose weathervane donated by the Historic Association for Corrections made by Cob Correctional Industries; an autographed Chicago Bears football (Paul Edinger), Chicago Bulls basketball, a Chicago Cubs baseball and a signed picture of Chicago White Sox infielder Paul Konerko all donated by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office; and an executive high back chair, rocking horse, wooden checkerboard and a hibachi grill donated Kentucky Correctional Industries. Of special interest were five paintings by Al Black, one of the original Highwaymen painters.
Congratulations to the winning bidders and thanks to all who donated items.
