Rayven, you provided an excellent discussion about what the Second Chance
Act is and how its approach is more focused on the resources available to
offenders rather than deterrent methods to reduce recidivism. Understanding
prison populations is an important aspect of determining the best methods to
ensure recidivism is reduced and the reintegration process is successful.
Building onto your discussion about the Second Chance Act, I found that it is
important to have a multifaceted approach and allocate more resources to
specific areas of improvement for offenders. As described by Doyle et al.
(2019), nearly 85% of offenders held within correctional facilities have either
a substance abuse history that is defined in the DSM-IV or have charges
related to drugs and alcohol. This statistic is extremely important for
practitioners of the justice system to take action on as rehabilitation is a
focus for the majority of inmates.
From a biblical perspective, scripture helps practitioners of the criminal
justice system better understand the perspectives of those who need help.
As it is a priority to reintegrate offenders back into society, those involved
with the justice system benefit from the grace and opportunities that are
provided to them. Hebrews 13:16 states, “And do not forget to do good and
to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (English
Standard Version, 2001).
References
Doyle, M. F., Shakeshaft, A., Guthrie, J., Snijder, M., & Butler, T. (2019). A
systematic review of evaluations of prison‐based alcohol and other
drug use behavioural treatment for men.
Australian and New Zealand
Journal of Public Health
,
43
(2), 120–130.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-
6405.12884
Links to an external site.
English Standard Version Bible
. (Original publication date, 2001). Crossway Bibles.
