Because of this high failure rate, DOC’s budget has crept up to $2 billion as Florida’s prison population has approached 100,000. Ironically, though, we now know ”” and can quantify ”” key factors that reduce recidivism. Among them:
ӢA belief in something outside of themselves, such as God. Prisoners, like other humans, tend to behave differently in the face of the transcendent.
ӢSubstance-abuse treatment. For many offenders, substance abuse has been a major problem. Treatment substantially reduces recidivism.
ӢEducation. DOC data show a 4 percent reduction in recidivism for each grade-level increase in reading skills. Literacy should be required for release.
”¢Age. It’s statistically odd but true that turning 28 makes a difference. Marriage also helps.