Evaluation of Services and Programs in a Prison Environment

Indianapolis, IN

The purpose of this study is to show the significance of correctional programs and services and their correlation to the reduction in recidivism rates among incarcerated persons. This study will be examining the success rate of specific programs, both court appointed and those that are voluntary, through the process of surveying participants as well as administrative staff. The participants will include current and former members. Included with surveying, interviews will be conducted, either in person or via telephone, to current and former inmates, administrative staff at specific correctional facilities, and leaders of programs and services provided to offenders. These contacts will be made through the DeKalb County Jail, the DeKalb County Probation Department, the Indiana State Prison, and other facilities if need be. This study theorizes that counseling services and other similar programs are helping to lower prison populations and decrease recidivism rates which, in turn, transform these past offenders into law-abiding citizens. We tgare finding that particular services offered to offenders can prevent one from recidivating, which is worthy of examining and implementing into more prisons and jails across the nation.