Aren’t prisons supposed to rehabilitate inmates?

In response to “Porterville closure opens door for disabled residents” (April 7): This commentary made me look to my own life, as I care for two people who are developmentally disabled.

I can see the difference between those who are in an institutional setting rather than a community setting. A feeling of purpose is, in part, what helps people feel content with their lives – disabled or otherwise. To have these centers closed and the residents successfully transitioned to a community setting only proves that the process works by helping residents and saving taxpayer money.

An argument could be made that as those with disabilities may have mental and/or behavioral concerns much like inmates who are capable to stand trial. To see that this works for people who are disabled and being rehabilitated instead of institutionalized gives me hope that legislators and society will take notice.

This could be the start of reforming our jail system. It stands to reason that people within the legal system without disabilities can use help to be rehabilitated rather than kept in a cage. Isn’t that what the legal system is supposed to do: rehabilitate?

This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 9:15 AM with the headline "Aren’t prisons supposed to rehabilitate inmates?."