INMATE REHABILITATION ADDRESSED BY PRISONS

One of the responsibilities of state prison systems is to try to
rehabilitate inmates so that, once they're released, they're able to
find a place to live and get a job so they don't return to crime.

But in Nevada about 1,700 ex-inmates each year are returned to prison
for parole violations, a situation that needs to be reversed.

There are some inmates who will never be changed by the best
rehabilitation efforts, and it's only a matter of time before they're
back in prison. But there are inmates who want a second chance.

It is encouraging then that Jackie Crawford, the director of the
state Department of Corrections, is willing to try new approaches
that she believes eventually will cut down on recidivism.

Last week she suggested a different way to get prisoners the kind of
in-prison education that will help them immediately after they leave.
Crawford is considering providing inmates with vocational training
instead of focusing on getting them a high school diploma alone.
Crawford wants to instill in inmates a work ethic so they can succeed
in the outside world.

In addition, because ex-inmates with addictions are more likely to
commit crimes, Crawford has worked to put in place a program that
helps inmates who have substance abuse problems. Intensive counseling
and supervision, including unannounced drug tests, are part of the
drug program for inmates who are chosen to be released early from
prison.

It's not only about making sure that ex-inmates don't commit crimes
once they get out -- although that's the primary goal. Money also is
an issue.

About one in every 10 dollars in Nevada state government's general
fund budget is allocated to the prisons -- $212 million likely will
be spent in the coming fiscal year. Some of that money saved from the
prisons budget -- if rehabilitation is a success -- could be used for
other important programs, such as education.

An emphasis on rehabilitation, instead of just warehousing inmates,
could pay dividends for all Nevadans.