A graduate of Augsburg College, Jamar Esaw serves as the founder and director of the Triad:4Christ choir. Jamar Esaw also has experience as a youth counselor and case manager for Model Cities, Inc., where he worked for over six years to reduce the rate of recidivism among young people.
Recidivism refers to the tendency of formerly convicted individuals to relapse and re-engage in illegal activity. Typically presented as a percentage, recidivism is defined as any illegal act that occurs in the three years following an offender’s release from prison. Moreover, the offense must result in re-arrest and adjudication within the criminal justice system. Rates of recidivism are a major challenge among young adults, with as many as 76 percent of offenders being arrested again for criminal acts within three years.
To reduce the high rate of recidivism among young adults, society must address the following contributing factors:
1. Criminal Thinking - Young adults are vulnerable to negative peer influences and their associated antisocial tendencies.
2. Education - Poor education leads to a poor long-term outlook among young adults because it is a barrier to future employment and financial earnings.
3. Employment - A lack of marketable skills and vocational training makes it difficult for young people to find a job.
4. Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Unmet mental health needs and impaired judgment often coincide with substance abuse.
5. Unstable Environments - Many youths involved in the criminal justice system lack positive support systems and a stable living environment.
