To control recidivism, and thus have a shot at controlling prison crowding and costs, the states and localities need to develop comprehensive programs that help former inmates find jobs, housing, training, drug treatment and mental health care. A promising model has emerged in Brooklyn, where District Attorney Charles Hynes started his re-entry program long before other jurisdictions even realized they were necessary.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/opinion/29thu3.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

That will be worth watching. I'd bet it's going to be successful. You are right, we need WAY more job training etc.

They need to have programs like this all over the country. The increase in the inmate population is getting so bad its affecting families who are out here struggling on their own because the men are locked up. When are they going to realize it cost more to house people in jail then to train them to work and teach them to be self sufficient. With all the problems with the economy the last place we should be pouring money into is to build more jails.

Do they have any programs like this in other states?

I definitely agree. However, I don't want to sound like a pessimist, but on the other hand you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. I wish it were only that simple. I haven't looked fully into the program mentioned above, and I promise to do so later today, but unless it also involves stringent counseling to teach people how to overcome criminal behavior, I truly think we're going to see high rates of recidivism. As a former inmate and someone who continues to work with inmates coming out of prison, even with a decent job and stability, many fall back into their criminal habits. I do believe that most forms of crime come from addiction (not just drugs, but being addicted to the act of committing a specific crime). Most repeat and habitual criminals have a "I want what I want when I want it" mentality, meaning they want things fast and quick and easy. Most have no concept of working hard (and honestly) now and seeing a payoff or reward in the future. I am in school full time as a Psychology student, because the time I served (two years in state prison) has shown me there is far more to criminal behavior than just not having opportunities or support. Yes, that's a large part of it, but the biggest part of it is choices. Simply put, we do what we know, or we do what we have learned. There is a lot of 'family crime' for that reason. I was locked up with many women who fell into a life of crime because they were raised in it, and most had family members (siblings and parents) who were also incarcerated. Jails and prisons simply do not provide much counseling or training for teaching inmates to make better decisions, or how to work for a bigger reward rather than a quick, illegal and immediate payoff. I am wondering if anyone else out there agrees with me. I speak from personal experience, but I am sure someone out there can attest to that as well. In the meantime, definitely having better opportunities for jobs and education for convicted felons is a start. Just my thoughts. ~Andi