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 \u201d\u201d and can quantify \u201d\u201d key factors that reduce recidivism. Among them:<\/p>\n
\u201d\u00a2A belief in something outside of themselves, such as God. Prisoners, like other humans, tend to behave differently in the face of the transcendent.<\/p>\n
\u201d\u00a2Substance-abuse treatment. For many offenders, substance abuse has been a major problem. Treatment substantially reduces recidivism.<\/p>\n
\u201d\u00a2Education. DOC data show a 4 percent reduction in recidivism for each grade-level increase in reading skills. Literacy should be required for release.<\/p>\n
\u201d\u00a2Age. It’s statistically odd but true that turning 28 makes a difference. Marriage also helps.<\/p>\n