Certified Education for Kentucky Inmates

Two major concerns in Kentucky are crime and education. The National Institute of Corrections reports that Kentucky has a rate of incarceration 13\% higher than the national average. Many of these inmates are non-violent and their crimes linked to prescription drug abuse.

The 1997 Government Task Force Report states KY ranks 49th in the amount of adults 25 and over who have a high school diploma, and so education continues to be a major concern in the state.

Crime and education are inextricably linked and impacts the recidivism rate, opportunities for employment and more importantly, the reintegration to society.

Funding for inmate education in Boyd County was removed 3 years ago. Although Eastern Kentucky prisons do offer some programs, none are certified and so do not assist the employability of released inmates. Given that most employers run criminal background checks, many released prisoners have little or no opportunity for rehabilitation.

In terms of tax dollars. It costs in the region of $42,000 to house a single prisoner for a year. It costs around $16,000 to educate up to associates level. But if recidivism rates are reduced, then surely this saves the state money in the long term, benefits local economy, and encourages new businesses into the area knowing there is an army of qualified staff waiting.

Less crime = less victims!

Boyd County, needs funding for certified prison education programs.