From Merriam-Webster
Main Entry:
    re·cid·i·vism Listen to the pronunciation of recidivism
Pronunciation:
    \ri-ˈsi-də-ˌvi-zəm\
Function:
    noun
Date:
    1886

: a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior ; especially : relapse into criminal behavior

 

Current statistics from 2008:

• 60, 300 people are under Kentucky's Department of Corrections supervision, including:

• 13, 390 inmates managed by the Department of Corrections in adult prisons

• 7,363 occupants in 93 jails in Kentucky's 120 counties

• 28,342 on probation and 10,252 on parole

• 1 in every 71 Kentuckians is under the supervision of the Department of Corrections

• $21,713 is spent per year to house one Kentucky inmate

• $447 million will be spent by Kentucky taxpayers in 2008 to house prisoners

29.5 % of all Kentuckyinmates released in 2008 have returned to prison either for new felony offenses or parole violations.  Within two years, 28.9% were back in prison.  The state's three-year recidivism rate was 40.3% with that percentage of inmates released in 2007 reurning to prison. 

Studies show that most inmates who commit new crimes or violate parole do so in the first six months.

With teaching and faith and a new direction in life provided by a relationship with Jesus Christ, our prisoners can be reformed anew into law-abiding, Christ following citizens.