Date of Award
Spring 2024
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Social Work
First Advisor
Kelly Bass
Second Advisor
Thomas Mrozla
Third Advisor
Jenna Borseth
Keywords
Incarceration, Recidivism, Reentry, Correctional Staffing, Case Management, Programming
Subject Categories
Social Work
Abstract
America has one of the highest rates of incarceration in the world, along with many issues that keep its inmate population and recidivism rates high. The current inmate population faces unique challenges as it disproportionally consists of racial minorities, those with mental illnesses, and nonviolent drug offenders. Correctional rehabilitative programing, while implemented with good intentions, lacks effectiveness. This is due to factors including institutional staffing mindset and minimal development to expand inmate programs. There is also a lack of overall access to drug and educational courses that are so greatly needed for the incarcerated population. The reentry process for inmates in many correctional facilities falls short in parole and internal case management services due to these same issues. Many internal case managers lack the qualifications needed to be successful, which in turn negatively impacts the effectiveness of reentry and continues the cycle of recidivism. Staff employed in correctional facilities face unique challenges that lead to massive turnover rates, burnout, and increased mental illness related to environmental stress and trauma. In correctional facilities, staff issues directly impact the environment and responses from inmates, often creating turmoil within a facility. This paper will consist of personal experiences working in the South Dakota State Penitentiary, first-hand experience working in case management for Pathways Shelter for the Homeless community transitional program, and published research. I will analyze why it is necessary to target the key areas of rehabilitative programing, correctional staff concerns, and the management of inmate's reentry process to change America’s correctional systems from a punitive structure to a rehabilitative one. Creating a rehabilitative structure will in turn assist in lowering our high recidivism rates and improve the wellbeing of American society.
Recommended Citation
Clair, Sydney R., "AMERICA’S PRISON SYSTEMS: BEGINNING THE SWITCH FROM PUNITIVE TO REHABILITATIVE" (2024). Honors Thesis. 342.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/342