The surprising reason our correctional system doesn't work | Brandon W. Mathews | TEDxMileHigh

Summary

Eunice Tan advocates for a two-track correctional system that separates punishment from rehabilitation. Drawing on her extensive experience in corrections, she highlights the dysfunction of the current system, where rehabilitation is overshadowed by punitive practices. Tan emphasizes the need for a distinct rehabilitation track for non-violent offenders, modeled after successful international examples like Norway. She argues that structural change requires community engagement and collective action, aiming for a correctional philosophy focused on reducing recidivism and fostering safe communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker advocates for a 'divorce' in the correctional system, separating punishment from rehabilitation.
• 😀 Current correctional practices often prioritize punishment over effective rehabilitation, leading to high recidivism rates.
• 😀 A significant percentage (67%) of offenders released from prison are likely to reoffend within three years.
• 😀 The traditional view of corrections is rooted in historical retributive ideals, which have not effectively reduced crime.
• 😀 Rehabilitation efforts are often inadequate due to the prevailing punitive mindset within the correctional system.
• 😀 The proposed two-track system would create distinct pathways for punishment and rehabilitation, focusing on individual needs.
• 😀 Non-violent offenders (53%) should be directed towards rehabilitation rather than punishment.
• 😀 The speaker highlights successful rehabilitation models from other countries, particularly Norway, which has a low recidivism rate of 20%.
• 😀 Structural change in the correctional system requires collective action and community engagement.
• 😀 The ultimate goal is to create safer communities by effectively addressing the root causes of criminal behavior through rehabilitation.

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