NCJ Number
158832
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 46 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1995) Pages: 25-30
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This overview of the New York State Department of Correctional Services' Young Inmate Initiative focuses on its background, target population, objectives, development, and impact.
Abstract
The program is designed for youthful inmates, ages 16- 20, who were convicted of violent crimes and did not qualify for the shock incarceration program. The program was prompted by data indicating that incarcerated offenders under age 21 have traditionally had the highest return rate to prison after release. In accord with the initiative's goal of enhancing educational and other services for young inmates, the department clustered the majority of the young male inmate population into three designated facilities. The department sought to maximize available Federal and State funds to provide these services. The initiative's main objective was to increase the educational levels of this population of high school dropouts. A particular goal was to increase the number of inmates earning high school equivalency diplomas. To date, it appears that this initiative is making significant progress in achieving its primary objective. Figures, table, and 6 references (Author abstract modified)