How the ideologies of punishment influence professional practice in corrections
Analyze how the ideologies of punishment influence professional practice in corrections
Describe the organizational structure and logistical considerations of correctional facilities
Analyze systemic issues that affect incarceration
Scenario
You are working for Vera Institute, a private agency dedicated to “tackl[ing] the most pressing injustices of our day.” Your work group is writing a grant asking for federal funding on behalf of the State of Alabama Department of Corrections, which desperately needs funding in order to build new structures and programs to combat overcrowding. The piece of the grant you will craft is the statement of need, which focuses on reviewing the ideologies of punishment, explaining considerations in corrections facilities, and analyzing systemic issues that affect incarceration. You have been provided with a template Word Document to assist you in organizing your work.
Sample Answer
The Ideologies of Punishment and Professional Practice in Corrections
The ideologies of punishment have a significant impact on professional practice in corrections. For example, the ideology of retribution, which emphasizes the punishment of offenders, can lead to practices such as solitary confinement and long prison sentences. The ideology of rehabilitation, which emphasizes the goal of changing offenders’ behavior, can lead to practices such as educational and vocational programs.
The ideology of punishment that is dominant in a particular correctional system will influence the way that staff interact with offenders, the types of programs that are offered, and the overall goals of the system. For example, a system that is based on the ideology of retribution is more likely to focus on security and control, while a system that is based on the ideology of rehabilitation is more likely to focus on treatment and reintegration.