The importance of guidance programs for prisoners can’t be overstressed—they help society as well as the individual reentering it. Following young people who have been discharged from Riker’s Island Academy, this program focuses on the payoffs that come from educational and counseling services for those behind bars. A lively peer-to-peer class setting is featured, while the process of court-ordered drug-testing is illustrated in detail by a visit to an ex-offender’s home—highlighting a central concern of many young people trying to find meaning and success on the outside. A wealth of insight is also provided on the advantages gained from structured vocational and recreational programs. Correlates to all applicable National and State Educational Standards including the NCLB Act. (23 minutes). Follows educational and program recommendations provided by the National Center on Education, Disability and Juvenile Justice.
