How does NCDAC evaluate the effectiveness of its rehabilitation programs?

The evaluation of rehabilitation programs within the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) is primarily conducted through recidivism rates and participant feedback. Recidivism rates provide a quantitative measure of the program's success by determining the percentage of individuals who reoffend and return to the correctional system after completing rehabilitation. A lower recidivism rate generally indicates that the programs are effective in helping inmates reintegrate successfully into society and avoid criminal behavior.

Participant feedback is equally important as it offers qualitative insights into the perceived value and impact of the programs on individuals. This feedback can highlight areas of improvement, successes, and the overall effectiveness of various rehabilitation strategies. By combining both quantitative and qualitative metrics, NCDAC can create a comprehensive evaluation of their initiatives, allowing them to continuously refine and improve their rehabilitation efforts. This holistic approach helps ensure that the programs are meeting the needs of the inmates and contributing to their long-term success post-release.