For this assignment I would like to evaluate Sussex 2 state prison. I would focus primarily on the inmates and how those with mental health and substance abuse issues are treated and addressed. I would like to find out what kind of programs are in place to help these inmates. For example, does the prison offer AA or NA meetings, does the prison provide counselors for the inmates to talk with, will further mental health programs help to reduce the inmates’ negative behaviors?
Evaluating this prison plays into my professional future plans in human services because I would like to work with those that are suffering from substance abuse disorder and those that are high risk to use drugs or commit crime. I feel like most prisons and jails only focus on the punishment side of things and very little on the rehabilitation side. It seems that most people who get locked up are either suffering from mental health or substance abuse issues. As I have moved further in this program, I have often wondered if our correctional facilities focused more on rehabilitation and treatment if that would prevent or lower the rates of reoffending.
I will be able to see how effective the mental health program is in reducing or stopping reoffending rates. I think my evaluation could help the prison in many ways. For example, I can assist the prison in seeing where they are lacking or letting down their inmates. I can also show them what the employees and inmate think can help with inmate behavior and rehabilitation.
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