Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Sarah Inkpen

Abstract

AbstractTo lower recidivism, a private rehabilitation and correctional facility (PRCF) in South Florida provides educational and therapeutic programs to inmates; however, the facility reported increased recidivism rates for several successive years. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the association between 12 vocational training programs at the local PRCF and recidivism. The study’s theoretical framework was Hirschi’s social bond theory of attachment, involvement, commitment, and belief. The research question sought to determine whether significant associations exist between specific vocational training programs and recidivism. A convenience sample of 187 inmates who completed one vocational training program and left the facility between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2014, was used in the study. The chi-square test of independence was used to determine if there was an association between the independent variable (the 12 vocational training programs offered at the PRCF) and the dependent variable (recidivism). The chi-square result was not significant, χ 2(6) = 2.659, p = .850. While there was no association between vocational training programs and recidivism, the literature is replete with examples where inmate participation in higher education and apprenticeship programs have reduced recidivism. These combined findings led to a policy recommendation to modify the PRCF’s current vocational training programs to allow inmates to participate in higher education and apprenticeship programs. The study findings could promote positive social change by improving training and education to help reduce the adverse effects of recidivism and equip more inmates with the skills needed to reintegrate more successfully into society

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