Case for Support 2025 - Flipbook - Page 5
The employment market is poor for those reentering society
after prison. Less than half of those released from prison will
have a job upon reentry to society due to a combination of
limited education, limited job skills, and a higher than average
incidence of physical and mental health problems.
COSTS TO SOCIETY
With the cost of incarcerating an individual in Kansas as of
2024 being more than $40,400.00 annually, the current system
is unsustainable.
As of 2024, the population of the United States has grown by
approximately 52% since 1980. In that same time, our prison
populations have grown by over 154%. Although the Kansas
prison population recently dropped by 15% due to the
pandemic, it is projected to resume its upward climb from
2025 through at least 2035.
In the last 40 years, the prison
population of the United States has
grown by over 154%.
This is unsustainable.
Recidivism is a problem that needs to be solved for our
communities and nation to thrive. Without intervention, a
return to old criminal habits is often viewed as the only
viable survival option for incarcerated men and women after
release.
To break the cycle of recidivism, meaningful reentry programs
must address the holistic needs of the returning citizen.
Recent evaluations conducted by KDOC show that cognitive
programs, mentoring, and education services aid in breaking
this cycle and reducing recidivism.
3 | CASE FOR SUPPORT | 2025
