The Challenge
Incarceration in America
The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world with 737 prisoners per 100,000 individuals as of July 2017. This surpasses the per capita incarceration rate of the Russian Federation and China combined.
In 2018, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, a department of the United States Department of Justice, released an update to their ongoing study of recidivism rates. From their study sample they found:
Within 3 years of release, the recidivism rate was 68%.
Within 6 years of release, the recidivism rate was 79%.
Within 9 years of release, the recidivism rate was 83%.
The Cost
The average cost of incarcerating an individual in the Federal Prison system in 2017 was just over $36,000 per year. A 2015 study by the Vera Institute for Justice found the average cost of incarceration for a State prisoner in Minnesota was slightly more than $41,000 per year.
The data shows a cycle of prisoner “release and return” that is costly to the tax payer and demonstrates a breakdown in the social and spiritual values of the United States.
The Causes
Research indicates that the United States’ high recidivism rates are a result of:
The inability of ex-offenders to find and maintain meaningful employment opportunities that provide a livable wage.
Insufficient education.
The negative impacts of drug and alcohol addiction.
Lack of affordable housing opportunities for ex-offenders.
Where We Come In
The Redemption Project was formed to serve an unfulfilled need in our society. Other organizations that address various aspects contributing to recidivism rates in the United States already exist, however none devote their focus to finding corporate partners willing to mentor individuals while they are still incarcerated and provide these individuals with meaningful employment opportunities upon their release.
The lack of employment opportunities is fueled by companies’ policies which prohibit employing individuals with felony convictions. The reasons for such prohibitions include:
A perception of the questionable honesty and reliability of former felons.
A desire to promote a safe and secure work environment.
Business insurance coverage exclusions for former felons.
Potential negative reputation perceptions by the general public.
Unfortunately, this exclusionary “broad brush” approach has severe negative consequences on a segment of former felons that are committed to becoming productive members of their communities and law-abiding citizen.
The Redemption Project believes that addressing the basic needs of meaningful employment for prisoners upon their release will have a positive impact on breaking the cycle of recidivism. Our three stage program of Educate, Advocate and Support is designed to meet the needs of inmates throughout their reentry process. In addition, we believe an individual who has the dignity, self-respect, and economic benefits of meaningful employment can help address the roadblocks related to addiction, education and housing.