Transforming Incarceration through Education and Rehabilitation

Article

Craig Storer

Within the realm of correctional facilities management, there is an ever-growing understanding of the paramount significance of rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals.
 
While ensuring public safety remains the primary objective of prisons and detention centers, a profound recognition of the potential for education, skills development, and reintegration has emerged. Education and professional skills acquisition are not just tools for personal growth; they are vital instruments for empowering incarcerated individuals to build a brighter future.
 
Inmates who receive an education and develop marketable skills while in prison are better equipped to reintegrate into society upon release. They are more likely to secure stable employment, contribute to their communities, and break the cycle of recidivism.
 

Recognizing the transformative power of education, NCIC’s RISE Method – Restoration through Incentives, Skills, and Education is at the forefront of a rehabilitative philosophy aimed at equipping inmates with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and make a positive impact. This method is the basis for the Schoolhouse Learning Management System (LMS).

Incentivizing Positive Change

The Schoolhouse LMS is a comprehensive, incentive-based platform designed to provide incarcerated individuals with access to a wide range of educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs.
 
What sets the Schoolhouse LMS apart is its emphasis on incentives. Inmates are encouraged to engage with educational content, and their efforts are rewarded. Successful completion of courses earns them valuable “points” that can be spent on entertainment content and leisure activities. This approach not only motivates incarcerated individuals to actively participate in their own rehabilitation but also makes educational opportunities and entertainment options accessible to all, regardless of their economic resources.
 
Another of the standout features of the Schoolhouse LMS is its adaptability. Correctional agencies can tailor the system to meet the unique needs of their incarcerated populations. This customization ensures that the programs offered are not only relevant but also engaging, making learning a more effective and rewarding experience for those who participate.

Enhancing Communication and Connectivity

In addition to education, another crucial necessity for rehabilitation is maintaining ties with the outside world. NCIC’s secure tablets, integrated with the Schoolhouse LMS, allow incarcerated individuals to connect with friends and family through phone calls, video visits, and messaging. This connectivity not only provides emotional support but also plays a crucial role in successful reintegration post-release.
 

The tablet video visitation can be used from inside cells or other areas of the housing units ensuring user privacy. Additionally, bolstered by industry-leading Facial Detection features, it monitors and curbs inappropriate behavior from external users. This innovation not only enhances the visiting experience but also contributes to the overall security and order within correctional facilities.

The Schoolhouse Learning Management System, with the RISE Method at its core, is contributing to advancing the landscape of inmate education and rehabilitation. By incentivizing positive change, providing customized educational opportunities, and facilitating meaningful communication, this innovative approach is empowering incarcerated individuals to make the most of their time behind bars.

It is a beacon of hope for those who believe in second chances and the power of education to break the cycle of recidivism.

Craig Storer is the Director of Marketing for NCIC Inmate Communications. Craig has a keen interest in the economics associated with inmate communications programs and enjoys working with correctional agencies to help foster an understanding of their inmate communications environments including rates, revenue and revenue-share back to the agency. He has assisted correctional agencies in identifying earned but unpaid commissions associated with their Inmate Communications Agreements to the tune of several million dollars, while simultaneously improving the communications environments in many communities, by making calling more affordable.

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