How Does Age of 1st Point of Contact Relate to Highest Level of Educational Attainment?

Presenter: Jasmine Burgin Family and Human Services

Co-Presenter(s): Meg Stradley, Alberto Lepe-Romero

Faculty Mentor(s): Miriam Clark

(In-Person) Poster Presentation

Ample evidence suggests that policing in schools creates an environment in which children are prosecuted for non-dangerous delinquency, instead of normal school discipline practices, resulting in higher dropout rates and greater likelihood of future incarceration. Limited evidence suggests that the age of first contact with police may similarly impact this trajectory. The current study seeks to examine the relationship between age of first contact with police and highest education level attained to more fully understand how age of first contact may be associated with negative outcomes for kids.

Using data from the Life Study, a dataset consisting of 411 individuals reentering their communities after incarceration, we used Pearson’s correlation to determine the correlation between the age of 1st point of contact by police, and the highest level of education completed.

The relationship between the first point of contact and the highest level of education is not statistically significant.

Children being policed in the school system creates a system in which they are set up to have repeat offenses throughout their school career, impacting their educational attainment and quality of education. Though this study shows no statistically significant correlation, further research is needed beyond this data set to provide greater understanding of how to create a system in which children have a better chance at succeeding by providing other programs that help aid children.

How do Healthy Relationships in Prison Correlate to Healthy Relationships Once Released?

Presenter: Cody Bagay − Business Administration

Co-Presenter(s): Gabe Goldstein, Alexis Thwaites

Faculty Mentor(s): Miriam Clark

(In-Person) Poster Presentation

Study purpose: Prison culture has shown an increased occurrence of withdrawal by inmates which is causing a lack of healthy prosocial interactions between prisoners. Opportunities to foster quality relationships are limited; therefore, positive personal relationships may not have the chance to flourish. That is important because relationships in prison may help prisoners build essential skills that will benefit their relationships once released. The current study seeks to examine the correlation between quality relationships in prison on the quality and quantity of relationships once released from prison.

Study design: Utilizing data from the Life Study, a dataset consisting of 411 individuals reentering their communities after incarceration, we used Pearson’s correlation to determine the relationship between having a loved one or close relationship in prison with having close loving relationships after release.

Findings: Findings indicated no correlation between having quality relationships in prison with quality or quantity of relationships once released from prison

Conclusion: Understanding the effects and benefits of positive relationships in prison is necessary to encourage the widespread implementation of prison policies that can facilitate these positive relationships. Current results from the Life-Study data show no correlation between having strong and close relationships with other inmates while in prison, with the quality or quantity of relationships maintained once released from prison.