What issue is more important in penology than lowering the return-to-confinement numbers? Prisoners' daily lives are largely controlled by the states or the federal government, depending on which operates the prison. A large portion of those who are released return behind bars within a few years or even earlier. The inevitable conclusion is that rehabilitation does not work, or perhaps state legislatures and Congress simply consider it too low a priority. Nonetheless, some states and all economically advanced nations have much lower recidivism rates than the US, indicating that something is fundamentally wrong with the way too many prison systems here operate. Cowling has written a little book on this big topic. Her fact-filled survey identifies programs that make a difference. Prison education produces greater reliability of success on reentry while also improving prisoner deportment. Other activities are similarly statistically sanguine: in-prison training for meaningful employment, substance abuse therapy, cognitive behavior treatment, faith-based programs, and robust reentry support services all contribute to better outcomes. Reentry courts help. Cowling's important insights are honed by educational programming, which Campbell University itself provides at a North Carolina medium security prison. Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; professionals.
— Choice Reviews
Dr. Cathy Cowling has done a remarkable job in writing, Reducing Recidivism: A Focus on Rehabilitation Instead of Punishment. She mixes the practical with a guide of how to fix at least part of the scourge of recidivism. With those returning having on average 6 prior convictions, it is necessary we, as a society, come to realize that we will continue to throw good money after bad unless changes are made to assist the returning citizen with support and treatment. Dr. Cowling does not stop at the obvious, she shows programs which have been successful—like academic programs, cognitive behavior programs, housing and transportation programs, and others. It is time to take up the mantra of Dr. Cowling, let's stop the revolving door of recidivism.
— Art Beeler, Duke University
Dr. Cowling expertly navigates the data on recidivism and outlines evidence-based policies and programs that can decrease reoffending. Reducing Recidivism: A Focus on Rehabilitation Instead of Punishment is an important read for both students and practitioners.
— Raleigh Blasdell, North Central College
Dr. Cathy Cowling writes a compelling account, based on extensive research, that illustrates the benefit of how educational and therapeutic programming of incarcerated individuals significantly reduces recidivism. She highlights the importance of re-entry programs and how integral they are to the success of the inmate’s re-acclimation to society. The book is easy to read and packed with statistics, percentages and budget figures. Basically, if prison systems “pay it forward” and invest in meaningful educational, therapeutic and faith-based programs, their investment will pay dividends in reducing parole revocations and recidivism.
— Corrections Today