Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Department of Corrections will partner with the goal of improving post-release outcomes for offenders, while offering MSU students the opportunity to make a positive impact on society.
MDOC and MSU launched the Noxubee Community Work Center Transitional Program in 2017, with the 12-week program geared toward teaching life skills to those transitioning back into communities, according to a MSU news release.
The ultimate goal is to help reduce recidivism across the state.
According to the latest data provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance - a branch of the U.S. Justice Department - Mississippi’s recidivism rate is roughly 28 percent.
The Justice Department defines recidivism in Mississippi as a previously incarcerated individual returning to MDOC custody within three years of release.
The new partnership between MDOC and MSU aims to bring together MSU criminology and social work students, under the direction of professor David May, to gain valuable experience by leading discussion groups with the offenders at the Noxubee Community Work Center in Macon.
May, along with Amanda Cook, an assistant professor of criminology at MSU-Meridian, also bring in group speakers every week during the program.
Cook holds a doctorate in sociology from MSU and became involved with the program through connections she made while collecting data for her dissertation.
“The people we’re helping are people who have made mistakes,” Cook said. “They’re deserving of a second chance, and we’re doing our part to make it better.”
She then said the program has helped break down stereotypes of offenders, while preparing them for a smooth transition back into society.
“This is the third class we have been working with,” May said. “The guest speakers come in to present to the men on various topics, and then they have breakout sessions with the Mississippi State students. The idea is that the offenders walk out as graduates of this program and have a smoother transition once they are released.”
MDOC Commissioner Pelicia E. Hall said the partnership is in line with her administration’s goal to transform corrections in Mississippi.
“We can no longer afford to supervise offenders with a gotcha mentality,” Hall said. “We must offer meaningful rehabilitation, using all available resources. The partnership with Mississippi State University is beneficial for both the department and the university.”
The program concept originated from meetings of the Noxubee Transitional Advisory Board, a group of MDOC officials and university researchers that worked to create a re-entry program at the Noxubee County facility.
MSU says eligible participants are offenders who have violated the terms of their supervision under Earned Release Supervision or house arrest by other than a new arrest or a new charge.
There were 51 graduates combined from the previous two classes and another 23 graduates are expected when the third class finishes on April 12.