🔗 Share this article Education Reductions in Prisons Put at Risk Public Safety, Watchdog Reports Cuts to educational programs within prisons are hindering inmates' work and training opportunities, eventually creating danger to public security, according to a new report from a prison watchdog body. Pattern of Reoffending Linked to Shortage of Training Repeat offenders often create mayhem in their communities due to the inability of prisons to supply sufficient training and employment opportunities that could help disrupt the cycle of reoffending, the report indicated. “I have significant concerns about the impact of inflation-adjusted education funding cuts on already inadequate services and about the lack of real appetite and drive for improvement that this signifies.” Funding Cuts Threaten Reform Efforts Despite commitments to enhance access to education, funding on direct educational programs in correctional institutions is being cut by as much as 50%, per recent disclosures. While the overall training budget has remained unchanged, the cost of course contracts has soared, according to correctional governors. Only 31% of ex- inmates are working half a year after release Ninety-four of 104 closed prisons were rated “poor” or “below standard” for meaningful activity Typical attendance in training activities was just 67% in inspected institutions Insufficient Situations Impede Rehabilitation Overcrowding, a lack of workshop facilities, machinery breakdowns, and ageing facilities have compounded the situation, according to the report. Numerous inmates remain for extended periods to be assigned an training space and are often given any is available, rather than instruction applicable to their employment opportunities upon leaving. Even when work proceeded, full-day jobs generally occupied prisoners for just a limited time per day, with many positions split into part-time slots to extend limited provision further. Government Response and Future Plans The prison system has a duty to safeguard the community by making inmates less inclined to reoffend when they are released, but frequently it is falling short to fulfill this obligation. Top governors understand that prisons, and in the end our society, are safer if inmates are meaningfully occupied, and that education, skill development and work play a vital role in encouraging inmates to turn their lives around. It is understood that meaningful activity can help to facilitate safe and decent prisons and have a transformative impact on recidivism rates.” Unless leaders in the prison service take the provision of high-quality training and skill development more seriously, it is hard to see how appallingly high recidivism rates can be lowered. Funding reductions are also expected to hinder efforts to implement a new incentive-based prison system that would allow prisoners to earn time off their incarceration by completing work, skill development and education courses.