Module 4 Discussion After learning about the US criminal justice system and recidivism from the text and readings, you will share your thoughts in this week's discussion. Write two paragraphs (3-5 sentences) on recidivism using the guiding questions below. Then respond to two of your classmates posts to engage in the class discussion. Do you think our society is doing enough to help people released from prison to transition to life outside of prison? What suggestions do you have to help people recently released from prison to potentially reduce recidivism? Do you think the US can learn from other countries' criminal justice systems? What are they doing that could reduce recidivism that the US may benefit from incorporating? X Kristen Obrien May 31 9:54am Last reply Jun 2 6:24pm 1. Yes, | believe that our society prepares the incarcerated to be able to transition from prison to life outside of prison. While a person is incarcerated, they have almost the same opportunities that a person outside of prison has. They can \"work\" while they are in prison, they are able to better themselves by continuing education, they have opportunities to better themselves and get the help they need while incarcerated. Now, what they do with all those resources | believe is on the individual. Some people will never change their behavior whether it's their own choice or a mental disability that hinders their transition from prison to life outside of prison. 2. My suggestion to help people who have been recently released from prison to reduce recidivism is that they should utilize the resources they are given. Whether it is inside of prison or outside of prison. Make a lifestyle change to be able to continue life outside of prison. There is plenty of help for everyone. w . | think that the US can learn from other countries criminal justice systems for sure. Although my opinion on prison varies, depending on the crime. | think the US criminal justice system is a joke, really. People get sentenced wrongfully | believe here in the US, leading to recidivism. Upon reading about how Norway handles their criminal justice system and the incarcerated people, | think the US can benefit from that. Although, the United States have federal and state prisons, and almost all the prisons in the US are full because of the ridiculous things that these people are getting sent to jail for. A few things that Norway does is that they limit the prison cells to one inmate per cell ensuring they have the proper safety. Although the United States do give the prisoners access to jobs and education, | believe there should be more help such as finding mental health help and also should be a requirement for life outside of prison. Manudeep Bhuller, Dahl, G., Laken, K. V., Magne Mogstad, & Freeland, C. (2019, March 26). What the rest of the world can learn from Norway's prison system. World Economic Forum. https: /www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/03/incarceration-can-be-rehabilitative/ AR Aileen Ramos : s May 30 9:58am Last reply Jun 2 5:03pm Hello everyone, The United States has made some strides in helping individuals transition from prison to life outside, but many challenges remain. Programs focusing on education, job training, and mental health support are available, yet they often lack sufficient funding and accessibility. Many former inmates face significant barriers such as stigma, limited job opportunities, and inadequate housing, all of which contribute to high recidivism rates. To truly support reintegration, society and provide continuous support. One approach to reducing recidivism is to implement successful practices from other countries. For instance, Norway's criminal justice system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, offering extensive education and vocational training within prisons. Their approach has resulted in significantly lower recidivism rates compared to the U.S. Adopting similar practices, such as individualized reentry plans, restorative justice programs, and stronger post-release support systems, could help reduce recidivism rates in the U.S. Enhanced community involvement and partnerships with local businesses to create job opportunities for former inmates could also be beneficial. References Horgan, E. (2024, February 12). Prisons and their alternatives. Macquarie University Law Society. https:/www.muls.org/the-brief-onlineorway-australia- prisons#:~:text=The%20Norwegian%20incarceration%20system&text=The%202023%20estimated%20Norwegian%20prison,recidivism%20rates%20in %201 Reply | 1 Reply, 1 Unread