The idea applies to sex offenders, high school dropouts, the mentally ill and retarded, the elderly and others. In most cases, putting people with similar profiles together makes sense. We can target security, programming, staff and training to better serve these populations. Community corrections works. States can network with local jurisdictions to create and expand residential and nonresidential community sanctions.
Meaningful work works.
Learning essential job skills in a realistic work environment should improve an inmate's chance of getting a job and becoming a productive citizen upon release to society. Many jurisdictions are implementing community service projects both inside and outside jail and prison confines. The inmates benefit, the agency benefits, and the recipients of the labor benefit. If the assigned work is tied to learning good work habits and responsibility, the chance of success is further enhanced. It helps us work harder and smarter.