Providing Educational Programs for Female Prisoners
Providing Educational Programs for Female Prisoners
Toward the end of the twentieth century nearly 84,000 women were incarcerated in a state or federal correctional institution within the United States (Gillespie 91). Currently "the number of incarcerated women has exploded within the last twenty years" (Davis 79). After serving their sentence, leaving behind a life composed of bars, guards and time to reflect upon their crime. Most female offenders are released only carrying a few items of clothing, personal items, memories and good luck wishes from their fellow inmates. While beginning a new chapter of their life, they are reintegrated among the world. Within a small time period they are expected to find employment and live a life acceptable to society. However for several ex-convicted females the simply task of finding a job can become an obstacle. When they lack an education or the skills needed to find a suitable job (Gillespie 105). This is why well developed female educational programs are essential and necessary to return better functioning women and mothers to our society by offering an education, job preparation and the opportunity for personal growth. In today's world when considering the fundamentals of success, education is a major component. Through education a person becomes able to explore the various opportunities available to them. Practically fifty-seven percent of females who enter the prison system haven't received a high school diploma or a GED (Gillespie 93). Studies indicate that approximately sixteen percent of female inmates have earned a GED while incarcerated (Lehand 49). Prison education programs present many female inmates with the second opportunity to receive an education. With the average female inmate being functionally illiterate or learning impaired. These programs also strengthen inmates reading and writing skills. By applying applicable readings to their own personal situations and interest, these programs allow female
Toward the end of the twentieth century nearly 84,000 women were incarcerated in a state or federal correctional institution within the United States (Gillespie 91). Currently "the number of incarcerated women has exploded within the last twenty years" (Davis 79). After serving their sentence, leaving behind a life composed of bars, guards and time to reflect upon their crime. Most female offenders are released only carrying a few items of clothing, personal items, memories and good luck wishes from their fellow inmates. While beginning a new chapter of their life, they are reintegrated among the world. Within a small time period they are expected to find employment and live a life acceptable to society. However for several ex-convicted females the simply task of finding a job can become an obstacle. When they lack an education or the skills needed to find a suitable job (Gillespie 105). This is why well developed female educational programs are essential and necessary to return better functioning women and mothers to our society by offering an education, job preparation and the opportunity for personal growth. In today's world when considering the fundamentals of success, education is a major component. Through education a person becomes able to explore the various opportunities available to them. Practically fifty-seven percent of females who enter the prison system haven't received a high school diploma or a GED (Gillespie 93). Studies indicate that approximately sixteen percent of female inmates have earned a GED while incarcerated (Lehand 49). Prison education programs present many female inmates with the second opportunity to receive an education. With the average female inmate being functionally illiterate or learning impaired. These programs also strengthen inmates reading and writing skills. By applying applicable readings to their own personal situations and interest, these programs allow female