NCJ Number
230210
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2009 Pages: 72-74
Date Published
December 2009
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features and effectiveness of a prisoner reentry program in which the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) and ARAMARK Correctional Services have partnered to implement a novel culinary training program called IN2WORK at no cost to taxpayers.
Abstract
IN2WORK, which provides classroom and hands-on vocational experience in the food-service industry, has enrolled 650 adult offenders since its start in 2007; and approximately 30 juveniles have participated in a shorter version of the training program. With the successful completion of the National Restaurant Association's ServSafe exam, students earn their certification, which helps in providing opportunities for employment and advancement within the restaurant and hospitality industry. The program emphasizes the understanding and performance of key food service skills and practices. It couples classroom instruction with hands-on work experience in the kitchen. Trained and experienced instructors present an interactive three-phase curriculum that allows small classes of students to learn about food-service operations. In order to qualify for participation in IN2WORK, participants must be at least 18 years old, have basic math skills, and be able to read and write at a sixth-grade level. The evidence of the program's success has led the IDOC to give participants credit time of 6 months for successfully completing IN2WORK training and passing the ServSafe exam. In March of 2009, IDOC reported that the overall recidivism rate (return to incarceration within 3 years of release) for IN2WORK participants had declined for the third consecutive year. 5 notes