The Supportive Basic Skills initiative is one of several Model Education Programs that places young adults leaving the custody of the NYC Department of Correction into post-discharge educational programs. The initiative provides basic literacy instruction to low-level readers.

Problem Statement
When exiting detention and returning from incarceration, poor young adults aged 16 to 24 are at high risk of becoming or remaining disconnected from school and work. About 70% of offenders and ex-offenders are high school dropouts and, according to at least one study, about half are "functionally illiterate." This lack of literacy skills contributes to the chronic unemployment experienced by young adults discharged back into the community. Without intervention, two-thirds of ex-offenders are likely to be re-arrested.

Research & Evidence
The issue of low-level reading skills has been identified as a systemic problem for youth involved in the criminal justice system. A 2002 report by the Casey Foundation identified New York's Friends of Island Academy as a successful national model for increasing literacy skills.

Research suggests that an individual with a job is less likely to commit another crime following incarceration. For example, an evaluation of the Windham School District, a prison educational system in Texas, found that 70% of individuals in the program were employed during their first year of release. And, of this 70%, the recidivism rate was 15%, which is significantly lower than the rate for the general prison population.

Program Description
The initiative offers basic literacy instruction for low level readers using the Wilson Reading System. The Wilson System has been in use for the past two decades, and has been found to be effective for a wide range of reading problems, including those at risk for reading failure. It uses direct, explicit and multi-sensory instruction to facilitate reading.

Evaluation Framework
Recruitment, retention, educational, and employment outcomes for ex-detainees and ex-offenders are being measured, as well as recidivism rates. In addition, the readmission rate of program enrollees is being compared to the rate for a similar inmate population on an annual basis.

Target Population
The initiative serves young adults, ages 17-24, who are being discharged from the Department of Correction.

Expected Outcomes
Short-Term:

• Increase the number of young adults enrolling in educational programs after incarceration
  
• Increase the literacy levels, educational skills, and occupational skills of participants

Long-Term:

• Reduce the recidivism rate for young adults discharged from Rikers Island
  
• Increase the number of dischargees achieving a HS Diploma/GED
  
• Increase the ability of participants to obtain employment