grants to states for workplace and community transition training for incarcerated youth offenders...
TRANSCRIPT
Grants to States for Workplace and Community Transition Training for Incarcerated
Youth Offenders
“Youth Offender Program”
Importance of Education in North Carolina
• 40% of prison population did not have a High School Diploma or GED in 1997.
• By 2004, a typical inmate entering prison was reading at 9th grade level and math skills were equivalent at 7th grade level. (July, 2005, NCDOC Office of Research & Planning)
• Recidivism was 46% lower for prisoners who had participated in postsecondary correctional education than for those ex-offenders who had not taken any college classes. Id. At p.9
Recidivism & Education“A Direct Link”
• Federal Bureau of Prisons reported a direct correlation between education and low recidivism rates (Harer, 1994).
• The more educational programs inmates completed while incarcerated, the lower the recidivism rate (Harer, 1994).
• Another study reported inmates who received either vocational/technical training in prison had the highest rate of post-release employment (Anderson, Anderson, & Schumacker, 1988).
Program Accomplishments
• Student-inmates demonstrated consistent interest; requested to enroll in more than three-course max. per year.
• 253 college courses have been offered with a total enrollment of 2,604 and an average GPA of 2.18
• 636 participated in Cognitive Behavior Intervention
• 479 participated in Employability Skills Training
Program Accomplishments cont’
• Ongoing development of three Employment Resource Centers located at Wake Correctional Institution, Sampson Correctional Institution and Fountain Correctional Institution for Women.
• Partnered with North Carolina Central and IBM to acquire computers for college level computer classes.
• Expanded the workplace and community transition youth program, bringing the total number of facilities to fourteen.
Program Highlights• Program was initiated within the North
Carolina prison system eight years ago.
• The five youth facilities were the initial target market for program.
• Successful in the youth facilities and expanded to current total of 13 facilities.
• Correspondence courses added in FY 05.
Program Highlights(con’t)
• Added computers and offered computer related classes this past semester.
• Budget increase for the coming fiscal year.
• Current plans are to add three more facilities to the program.
• Assured coming budget to include an increase in funds.
Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Youth Offender Program is the reduction of recidivism through ahighly structured educational based program.Youthful offenders are challenged to utilize their skillsto successfully complete college level courses,modify present behavioral patterns that may lead tocriminal activity, and to gain insight into daily activitiesby successfully completing employability skillsprogram.
Three Primary Elements • Provide incarcerated youth post-secondary
education. (Both on and off facility classes)
• Provide cognitive behavioral modification training for inmates.
• Provide employability skills training program for inmates.
Program Requirements
• Must possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
• Must be 25 years of age or younger.
• Eligible for release or parole within 5 years.
Post-Secondary Education
North Carolina Division of Prisons have
partnered with North Carolina University System
to provide educational opportunities through
curriculum programs allowing inmates to receive
an Associate and/or Bachelors degrees. In
addition, Distance Learning, in the form
correspondence courses, has been an added
venue for inmates.
Behavioral Modification Training
• Develops cognitive skills• Builds character• Enhances critical thinking skills• Heightens self-awareness
Employability Skills Training
To prepare the inmates for the world-to-work:
Writing Resumes Effective Interviewing Techniques Appropriate Attire How to Keep the Job
Effective Practices in Correctional Education
Things to consider
• Administration
• Academic Programs
• Special Education
• Employment Preparation
• Transition and Support Services
• Program Evaluation and Research
Pending Legislation
• Increase eligibility from age 25 to age 35.
• Required five years remain as it currently stands.
• Up to a max of $1,500.00 per year-max same as Pell Grant.
• Funds may be utilized for post release support continuing for up to one year after release.
What Would the Pending Legislation Mean ??
The Youth Offender Program currently
provide services for approximately 6,000 inmates.
With an increase in eligilibility from age 25 to 35,
the population that would qualify for service with
the Youth Offender Program, would increase
to 17,000 inmates.
Program Contacts
• Rose True, Education Director 919-838-3642 Fax:919-838-4764
• Ruth Duncan, Education Specialist 919-838-3649 [email protected]
• Ken Phillips, Program Manager 919-838-3647 [email protected]
QUESTIONS