Publication Date
Spring 4-22-2026
Presentation Length
20 minutes
College
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Department
Social Work, Department of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Jenny Crowell Thompson and Will Ward
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Summary
The term recidivism refers to the tendency of an individual convicted of a crime to reoffend after release. A growing body of research has found that individuals incarcerated in privately operated correctional facilities often demonstrate higher rates of recidivism compared to those held in publicly managed prisons. Scholars suggest that differences in access to rehabilitative programming, staffing patterns, and institutional resources may contribute to these disparities. Critics argue that cost-containment priorities unique to for-profit correction can conflict with investment in education, treatment, and reentry preparation -factors consistently linked in the literature to reduced reoffending and improved community reintegration. This is especially important given research showing that 59% of prisoners had at least one family member incarcerated growing up, and 68% had not completed high school prior to incarceration -patterns that suggest a need for more rehabilitative support, not less. House Bill 1938 is grounded in concerns regarding privately operated correctional facilities and their impact on rehabilitative objectives. The legislation proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code with the intention of phasing out privately contracted correctional institutions in Tennessee. This bill acknowledges that, though prisoners are incarcerated for legal reasons, they remain human beings capable of growth and meaningful contribution. Consistent with core social work values, including dignity and worth of the person and commitment to social justice, we cannot ignore the reality that many individuals are denied a fair chance long before entering the system. Supporting this bill reflects our ethical responsibility to promote rehabilitation, equitable opportunity, and successful reintegration into society.
Recommended Citation
Duplessis, Skyler J.; Tharpe-Patton, Xavier; Lerer, Josie; and Wood, Carley, "HB 1938: Ending Prison Privatization in Tennessee" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 1160.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/1160
Included in
Social Justice Commons, Social Policy Commons, Social Welfare Commons, Social Work Commons
