The International Prison Chaplains Association (IPCA/Worldwide) and Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) has hosted a panel discussion on the direct correlation between poverty and those who comprise the prison population. We have highlighted the fact that in most countries, the prison population is largely representative of the lowest economic strata within their respective countries. Rehabilitation and Reentry Efforts for this population, while in prison, can significantly reduce their return rate to prison. This reduced recidivism rate is especially successful in cases where Returning Citizens are exposed to faith-based organizations which provide guidance and support for their Reentry efforts. Those who have been invited to be on the panel are leaders in this field with practical experience within the American system. They have address various aspects of the aforementioned approaches ranging from artistic, vocational and academic exposure while in prison; to job skill training, interview techniques, and financial planning to improve their chances of success. A model of this nature has been in practice for over twenty years in Sing-Sing prison. While the national average of recidivism in the United States is about 50%, the recidivism rate of those who have participated in the Sing-Sing model is less than 5%. With these documented results, this is one example of how it is possible to break the cycle of poverty – prison – poverty – prison – poverty – prison.
The IPCA-CURE statement on this occasion is to be found here.
A report on the side event is to be found here.