University professor evaluates success of local educational jail program

Intervention and counseling in jail helps to reduce recidivism rates for inmates, according to a recent study conducted by Education Prof. Ann Loper.

Loper followed three groups of inmates at the Albermarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail during one eight-week session of the New Beginnings Transitional Re-entry program, which consists of a series of courses covering anger management, health and sexuality, vocation and parenting.

One group received no assistance, the second group received a small amount of intervention through counseling and the final group received the most intervention through instruction in a classroom setting.

According to Loper’s results, only 14.5 percent of the inmates who received some sort of intervention were likely to return to jail within six months after their release, compared to 31 percent of those inmates who did not receive intervention.

“Even brief interventions can be helpful,” Loper said, explaining that educational programs can make a real, measurable difference on people’s chances of becoming repeat criminal offenders.

Loper said the goal of the studied eight-week programs, which have been in place since 2005, is to prepare inmates for life after prison. The program also provides inmates with opportunities to prepare for GEDs if they have not already received high school degrees.

—compiled by Radina Belberova