Beyond bars: The power of rehabilitation

Image from Oxford Treatment Center. Top: Piechart showing the dangers of incarceration to individuals.

In a world where global justice systems are reevaluating their effectiveness, rehabilitation serves as a compelling beacon of hope in prisons. Amidst this, California’s Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act emerges to fix these issues. By striking a careful balance between strict penalties and rehabilitation, the root cause of crime and addiction will be targeted. Rehabilitation offers support through mental health treatment and education, and overall reduces recidivism. This approach not only paves the way for individual redemption, but contributes to societal safety.

Recent developments in California underscore the urgency for reform. California’s Proposition 47, also known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, implemented in 2014, aimed to reduce incarceration. However, it actually increased homelessness, drug addiction, and theft instead of preventing these issues. The consequences of the act have prompted many efforts for change.

A measure reforming Proposition 47, The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, is gaining traction among Californians. Supported by the California District Attorneys Association, the act aims to hold repeat theft offenders accountable for their actions and address the fentanyl crisis, while still incentivizing rehabilitation opportunities. Under Proposition 47, reduced penalties for drug addiction and theft related crimes ultimately led to a surge in such crimes. A question now rises: should California crack down on drug and theft crimes by implementing stricter penalties? Well, the $950 felony threshold, which was a ballot proposition that most Californians voted for, has been criticized by many people for potentially encouraging theft by lowering the risks of harsh penalties for stealing things valued under this amount. This new proposed measure aims to reintroduce legal action against repeat offenders, aiming to reduce criminal behavior.  

Perhaps, rehabilitation combined with balanced punishments is the key to fixing the drug addiction, homelessness, and theft issues that California is facing. As opposed to incarceration, rehabilitation addresses the root cause of crime, reduces recidivism, and is better from a humanitarian point of view. Several causes of crime such as mental health problems, a lack of education, and socioeconomic disadvantages are targeted with rehabilitation. On the other hand, incarceration just treats prisoners like animals and only exacerbates existing problems due to ineffective, harsh punishments. Rehabilitation, however, offers support and recognizes the potential benefits for redemption and transformation. By providing treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders, individuals can be successfully reintegrated back into society and contribute to the well being of society. Not only that, but rehabilitation programs have shown to be a lot more cost effective in the long run, as opposed to incarceration. While the upfront costs may be more, the rewards of these programs are absolutely worth it, as California becomes a better place. 

Still, rehabilitation doesn’t work for everyone. For example, offenders may continue to pose as threats, and these people should be held accountable. By striking a careful balance between rehabilitation and punishment, society will be a much better place as issues such as drug addiction, theft, and homelessness will be remedied. With that being said, how can we ignore the clear benefits of rehabilitation over the obvious catastrophes of incarceration? Rehabilitation is by far the best answer to crime. As California is standing at a crossroad, the solution is relatively straightforward: implement rehabilitation as the primary response to crime, as it not only respects dignity, but also improves the well being of society.