The significance of literacy programmes in correctional services

Abstract

As the title of this article suggests, the significance of literacy programmes within correctional services is considered. The article provides a glimpse of who the individuals serving a sentence are, and identifies some of the stressors of living in correctional services. It briefly looks at the learning environment in corrections for those who want to further their education. It examines teacher training programmes which provide inmates with teaching skills to assist fellow inmates in becoming literate. Finally, it considers the implications for a non-literate individual serving a sentence and raises the question of what happens when an inmate is released, probably with no vocational skills, little work experience and the additional burden of having a criminal record.