NCJ Number
127780
Date Published
1983
Length
55 pages
Annotation
The Arts-in-Corrections (AIC) program, as implemented in four California correctional facilities, is evaluated from a cost-benefit approach. The costs are categorized as delivery of art instruction, community service, service to the institution, and documentation and outreach; the benefits include direct services to inmates, reduced institutional tension, cost avoidance, institutional enrichment, and community service.
Abstract
The results indicate a positive cost-benefit relationship in quantifiable benefits, the ratio of which improves when qualitative benefits are considered as well. There is a strong relationship between inmate participation in AIC and reduced disciplinary actions; at the four institutions, reductions in disciplinary administrative time have totaled over 4500 hours and $77,000. Recommendations on improving the AIC program focus on program space, program accessibility, work positions, service to institutions, community activity, artist/facilitator positions, and research and development. 34 notes, 10 tables, and 1 appendix