Browsing by Subject "imprisonment"

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    Economic Impacts of Mass Incarceration on African American Families
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2016-04-08) Egunyomi, Ayobami; Tucker Edmonds, Joseph
    Mass incarceration refers to the high and growing rate of imprisonment amongst a particular population of people. The problem of mass incarceration is common among African Americans and has greatly affected their economic position and wealth accumulation over time. In light of this, the main objective of this study is to identify the economic impacts of mass incarceration on the families of the incarcerated. This research explores these impacts from two major perspectives: the direct impact on the family and children of the incarcerated and the impact on the incarcerated vis-à-vis the labor and education market. The primary method of research was through analyzing federal and state statistical information while referring to scholarly articles and literature. This study aims at fully assessing the economic impact of mass incarceration and identifying the best practices to lessen the negative impact. The goal of this research is to influence subsequent decisions and policies of the key players in the American Criminal Justice System on issues concerning incarceration of African Americans.
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    Factors that Influence Mass Incarceration among African-Americans
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2015-04-17) Egunyomi, Ayobami; Waterhouse, Carlton
    Mass incarceration refers to the high rate of imprisonment among a certain racial group. The problem of mass incarceration is common among African-Americans. The main objective of this study is to identify the major factors that lead to the high rate of incarceration among African-Americans. For years, the issue of mass incarceration has been a subject of controversy. While some believe mass incarceration is a subtle form of racism against African-Americans and a posteffect of slavery, some others view it as an adaptation to the demands of the society. Due to these different assertions on the issue of mass incarceration and also the impact of mass incarceration on the society, it is imperative to conduct research on the causes of mass incarceration prevalent among African-Americans. My primary method of research was through analyzing statistical information while referring to scholarly articles and literature. This study aims at examining the factors that have led to mass incarceration with the hope that it will help minimize the number of African-Americans in incarceration. The goal of this research is to influence subsequent decisions and policies of the key players in the American Criminal Justice System on issues concerning incarceration of African Americans.
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    Here We Come Ready or Not: Occupational Therapy Program to Help Prepare Prisoners for Reentry into Society
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2015-04-17) Crabtree, Jeffrey L.; Ohm, David; Wall, Jarrod; Ray, Joseph; Cheesman, Mackenzie; Goldman, Lainey; Ridener, Emilea; Rosswurm, Kelsey
    Abstract Background: In 2013 about 10 million people were involved in various stages of imprisonment world-wide. In that same year there were about 1,574,700 persons in state and federal prisons in the United States, and 29,905 in Indiana (state and federal) prisons. Most of those people will return to society, but for how long? According to the most recent data available, a little over two-thirds (67.8%) of those released were arrested for a new crime within 3 years and over three-quarters (76.6%) were arrested for a new crime within 5 years. Education is one of the most effective reducers of recidivism, but it is unclear what kinds of education best prepare people to not only return to society, but to thrive in society. Objectives: The first of a two-part study explored how 27 residents of a minimum security prison responded to an Occupational Therapy Community Living Skills Program (OTCLS) developed to help prepare residents for successful reentry into society. Method: Using a participatory action research (PAR) approach, we interviewed 27 residents who completed the program. Once the semi-structured interviews were transcribed, the PAR team conducted a summative content analysis of the data. Results: Initial content analysis yielded five concepts: doing; information; re-entry fears (socialization); technology; and self-worth. Participants seemed to gain a sense of self-worth by doing activities related to information gathering, socialization, and technology. Further interpretation yielded three overlapping themes: 1) validation of self-worth (participants expressed how self-validating it is to have “real people” come in to help), 2) doing (role playing, a common activity, “…was kind of nerve-wracking at first then [I] began to slowly ease into it…”), and 3) concerns about the future (one resident summed up the value of the program: having “…something real positive you’re looking forward to…helps in dissipating the fears perhaps in reentry.”). Conclusions: This retrospective study identified potentially powerful elements of a successful re-entry program. In the second part of the study we will evaluate a revised program using a pre-test; post-test and follow-up approach to learn more about what kinds of education best prepare people to not only return to society, but to thrive in society.