Corrections_Today_September_October_2023_Vol.85_No.5

policies to reduce crime, enhance public safety, and pro mote social justice. Investing in preventive measures such as education, job training, and social services can help address the root causes of crime and reduce the likeli hood of reoffending. Additionally, a solid effort to reform sentencing laws that allow for more judicial discretion and eliminate the man from their sentences for nonviolent offenses would be helpful. These efforts would reduce prison overcrowding and allow for proportionate sentenc ing among offenders. 9 In this context, the Wyoming State Penitentiary is a particularly stark example. Contrasting with the nation wide trend of declining incarceration rates, Wyoming has seen a notable increase. 10 The high recidivism rates in the state stem from several factors, including inadequate post release support structures, limited access to educational and employment opportunities, and pervasive mental health and substance abuse issues. 11 While current recidi vism reduction efforts in Wyoming demonstrate promise, they insufficiently address these problems and have not significantly impacted recidivism rates. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an evidence-based approach em phasizing rehabilitation and societal reintegration rather than mere punitive action. This paper proposes strate gies for implementing such a program at Wyoming State Penitentiary. Recidivism reduction is crucial The revolving door phenomenon — where individuals reenter the correctional justice system shortly after release — is deeply ingrained within the Wyoming State Peni tentiary. The underpinnings of this phenomenon include insufficient post-release support, limited access to educa tion and employment, and unresolved mental health and substance abuse issues. 12 These factors collectively rein force maladaptive behaviors, resulting in the offender’s eventual return to prison. Recidivism reduction programs serve as vital cogs within the correctional system. They aim to deter released offenders from re-engaging in criminal behav ior. 13 Proven to decrease repeat offenses, these programs promote public safety and economize law enforcement and detention costs. 14 Such programs prioritize reha bilitation and societal reintegration over punishment. They empower offenders with crucial life skills, such

as emotional management, job readiness, and edu cational attainment, and facilitate a law-abiding life post-release. 15 An evidence-based approach to recidivism reduction is crucial to mitigate the factors above. Such programs leverage scientific research and empirical data to dem onstrate their effectiveness in curbing recidivism. 16 The utility of the evidence-based approach lies in its potential to track measurable outcomes over time, thus providing an avenue for optimizing the program. 17 Studies indi cate that well-structured evidence-based programs can reduce recidivism rates by as much as 30%. 18 However, substantial evidence is needed to persuade administrators and policymakers to transition from a punitive mentality to a holistic approach to rehabilitation, especially while maintaining a tough-on-crime stance that resonates with Wyoming’s citizens. Advocating a holistic approach to rehabilitation neces sitates addressing the individual needs of offenders. These encompass mental health, substance abuse, education, employment, and social skills. Correctional administra tors must recognize the uniqueness of each offender’s journey through the correctional justice system and tailor programs accordingly. This concept is central to the Risk Need-Responsivity (RNR) Model, effectively reducing recidivism rates. 19 Implementing an evidence-based program entails a multistep process involving needs assessment, program design, implementation, and continuous evaluation of outcomes. These strategies profoundly influence an individual’s behavior and decision-making processes — critical for reducing recidivism. 20 Moreover, emphasis should be placed on the significant reduction in repeat offenders that evidence-based recidivism reduction pro grams provide. In the context of Wyoming State Prison, a well-designed program can target the root causes of re cidivist behaviors, supporting the successful reintegration of offenders into society. 21 This, in turn, can optimize the use of state resources, enhancing public safety — a stance endorsed by the NIJ. 22 Despite the clear benefits, several challenges hinder the implementation of evidence-based recidivism reduc tion programs in Wyoming. These include public opinion, political will, resource constraints, resistance to change, and the recidivism programs’ complexity. 23 The success ful introduction of these programs in the Wyoming State

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