FY 2016 Appropriation

The recidivism reduction program used by the State is a nine-component program designed to enhance the education and job skills of inmates. These nine components include: Inmate Assessment, Cognitive Problem Solving Skills, Basic Literacy Skills, Career Skills, Job Placement, Post Release Support, Research and Evaluation, Family Involvement, and Multi-agency Collaboration.

School districts, applied technology centers, colleges, and universities that have correctional facilities within their boundaries may provide educational services for inmates. The primary recipients of contract funds are the Jordan and South Sanpete school districts. In addition to traditional education strategies, such as testing/assessment, basic literacy, ESL, high school completion/GED, and occupational training, emphasis is placed on cognitive restructuring and transition assistance.

Funding History
Appropriation Overview

During the 2015 General Session, the Legislature appropriated for Fiscal Year 2016, $1,984,600 from all sources for Corrections Institutions. This is a 0 percent change from Fiscal Year 2015 revised estimated amounts from all sources. The total includes $1,984,600 from the General/Education Funds, a change of 0 percent from revised Fiscal Year 2015 estimates.

The Corrections Institutions considers cost-benefit ratios of recidivism and outcome measures such as diplomas and GEDs and level gains as indicators of its success. The following three tables contain the outcome measurements by students, diploma/GED, and level gains. From 2013 to 2014, the number of students and level gains increased, while the number of diplomas and GEDs decreased.

Number of Students by District, 2010-2014

Number of Students by District, 2010-2014

Number of Diplomas/GED by District, 2010-2014

Number of Diplomas/GED by District, 2010-2014

Number of Level Gains by District, 2010-2014

Number of Level Gains by District, 2010-2014

Statute

Statute details the education program for persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections:

  • UCA 53A-1-403.5: Provides that, subject to Legislative appropriation, the State Board of Education and the Department of Corrections, are responsible for providing educational services for persons in custody of the Department of Corrections. In addition, statute directs the boards to develop a recidivism reduction plan and provides components of the plan.

Program funding provides for the education of inmates in the State's correctional facilities. Program funds are passed through to the service providers, which are districts with jails/prisons. Expenditures by school districts largely comprise part-time personnel costs and some material costs.

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COBI contains unaudited data as presented to the Legislature by state agencies at the time of publication. For audited financial data see the State of Utah's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports.