Many criminals continue to commit crimes after being released from prison. In my opinion, this happens because they lack proper rehabilitation and support after their release. This essay will discuss the causes of reoffending and suggest possible solutions to this problem.
One cause of reoffending is the lack of effective rehabilitation programs in prisons. Many prisoners do not receive the education or job training needed to find employment after their release. Without these skills, it is hard for them to support themselves, and they may turn back to crime. For example, a study in the United States showed that over 60% of former prisoners were unemployed one year after their release. This high unemployment rate increases the chances of reoffending. Additionally, many former prisoners have untreated mental health issues or substance abuse problems, which can also lead to reoffending.
To reduce reoffending, prisons should implement comprehensive rehabilitation programs. These programs should include education, job training, and counseling to help prisoners gain the skills they need to succeed outside of prison. For instance, Norway has a strong focus on rehabilitation and has one of the lowest reoffending rates in the world. Their prison system provides extensive support to help former prisoners reintegrate into society. Additionally, there should be better support for former prisoners after their release. This can include halfway houses, job placement services, and ongoing counseling. Community programs that involve former inmates in support groups can also be very helpful.
In conclusion, reoffending happens mostly because there are not enough good programs in prisons to help prisoners learn new skills, and there is not enough support for them after they are released. TTo address these issues, it's crucial to improve the rehabilitation programs in prisons and offer ongoing support after prisoners are released. By doing this, we can help former prisoners rejoin society and avoid committing crimes again.