Literature Group For Offenders

In the never ending effort to rehabilitate and prevent recidivism, there is a program through which offenders, as a condition of their probation, are ordered to attend and complete homework for six twice-monthly seminars on literature. The program is titled "Changing Lives Through Literature." It is an alternative sentencing program, started in 1991 in Massachusetts, and has been embraced by seven other states. According to the website, cltl.umassd.edu/home-flash.cfm, "[l]iterature has the power to transform men's and women's lives - this is the philosophy behind Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL). Individuals who read about characters in literature may find a connection between themselves and those characters. If literature is a regular companion in our lives, this is not news. But, many adults and youth do not have access to literature and its transformative nature. CLTL participants, judges, probation officers, and instructors believe that bringing carefully selected works of literature to criminal offenders may help these men and women gain insight into their lives and behavior, while learning that they are not alone with their problems. The written word affects us far beyond the moment of reading."

In addition to Massachusetts, the program is available in seven other states: Texas, Arizona, Kansas, Connecticut, Maine, New York, and Rhode Island.

There is no reason why this would not work in Vermont. The University of Vermont or Middlebury College would be ideal locations for the literature seminars.

The CLTL color brochure may be found here:
cltl.umassd.edu/pdf/outreachpress1a.pdf

Video clips may be found here: cltl.umassd.edu/videosort.cfm

Their Fact Sheet states as follows:

"FACT SHEET

The CLTL Program

Founded in 1991 by Professor Robert Waxler and Judge Robert Kane, Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL) is an alternative sentencing program using literature as a way of reaching criminal offenders on probation. Literature seminars give probationers an opportunity to build self-esteem, learn social skills and behaviors, and rehabilitate through attending class discussions about literature as a condition of their probation.

Premise of CLTL

One of the major premises of CLTL is that literature has the power to transform lives. Studying literature gives students (who are criminal offenders) a chance to reflect on their own lives, gain insight into their behavior and the effects of it on those around them, and to take the first step towards self-responsibility.

Through reading and discussing literature, students look deeper at the characters and themes of literary works and relate them to the relationships in their lives. They learn to express their own opinions and acquire listening skills and tolerance.

CLTL helps probationers integrate into society and provides them with the chance to change their lives.

Scope

The program, founded in New Bedford, MA, now exists in more than twenty district courts in Massachusetts. It also operates in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Maine, Texas, Arkansas, and Kansas. A similar program exists in the United Kingdom.

Participants

Over 3,500 offenders have participated in the program. The impact on these individuals and their families has been dramatic. Some recover from addiction, some continue their educations, and others reunite with their families. All students are empowered to improve their lives.

Independent studies indicate a reduction in recidivism rates and decreased violent behavior with CLTL. Jarjoura and Krumholz's statistical study shows "a reconviction rate of 18.75in [a CLTL student] study group, compared with 45in [a] comparison group" (Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, Vol. 28 (1/2), 1998).

Although CLTL began with segregated programs for both male and female participants, we increasingly offer co-educational classes. Demographically, we serve probationers from all walks of life who have been involved in a variety of criminal behaviors, both violent and non-violent.

Economic Benefits

CLTL costs less than $500 per offender for one series of seminars. By contrast, the Federal Bureau of Prisons estimates an annual incarceration cost of $21,600 per inmate.

Awards and Recognition

In 2003, CLTL was awarded an Exemplary Education Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in order to create a new web site.

In 2004, CLTL received a Higher Education Excellence Award for Program Achievement from the New England Board of Higher Education."

Be sure to check out their blog.