By Aleta Sinkfield

   This is where B.A.S.I.C.S. (Bar Association Support to Improve Correctional Services) steps in. A State Bar of Georgia sponsored program, B.A.S.I.C.S., commonly referred to  as World of Work, is a ten week course which meets one day a week for three hours.  During this 30-hour block of instruction, participants are given insight and direction as to what is expected in the work place and society as a whole. 

   In 1976, Chief Justice Warren Berger challenged attorneys to take an active role in reform of those released from prison.  Twenty-three State Bar Associations around the country took up Chief Justice Berger’s challenge.  Of the 23 State Bar Association programs, B.A.S.I.C.S. is the only one left.  Ed Menifee is Georgia’s first and only B.A.S.I.C.S. director.   He refers to his 33 year leadership role as “a gift God gave me.”

                                            Ed Medifee, Director, B.A.S.I.C.S.

     The mission of B.A.S.I.C.S. is to reduce the number of offenders returning to prison by returning them to society as productive citizens. The program acts as a deterrent and rehabilitation tool in tackling the likelihood of an individual returning to a life of crime.  It provides valuable direction in morality and counseling on family, community and employment growth.

     B.A.S.I.C.S. is offered to prisoners residing in Georgia’s 26 diversion and transitional centers.  Residents expecting to be released within two years are candidates for B.A.S.I.C.S.   Participation is voluntary. “We try to take as many people who are willing to participate.  Some classes may have 65 participants, others may have 30 participants,” Menifee said.  Menifee points out there is no cost to the participant.  However, once a person decides to participate, he or she is expected to meet the expectations of attendance and educational tasks. 

     B.A.S.I.C.S.  sets the participant in a self-rehabilitation mode.   That mode encompasses thoughts of self-worth, self-control, usefulness, and moral values.  “I am somebody” is their theme.  Upon the participant’s self-evaluation, a decision has to be made: return to jail or become a productive, law-abiding citizen. Participants have to want to equip themselves with a positive mental foundation that will allow them to acquire the job skills, which in turn enables them to secure employment.  Discussions on having the right attitude, getting along with others in your community, and equipping oneself with a moral/value are a crucial part of the participant becoming a part of the working class and community.

     Each B.A.S.I.C.S. instructor is highly qualified and dedicated to enriching the lives of participants.  B.A.S.I.C.S.  provides training to instructors in the World of Work curriculum before they are assigned to classes.  Care and concern is taken on the part of B.A.S.I.C.S. instructors in facilitating study plans and the employment skills curriculum.  Meetings are held quarterly for instructors to receive training updates and share knowledge/experience that will promote continued success.

     The B.A.S.I.C.S. curriculum teaches skills needed before entering the work force.   Introduction to the work place environment, cover letter and resume writing, preparing for an interview, respect for rules, understanding employer expectations and becoming an entrusted employee are all  taught during the weeks of B.A.S.I.C.S.  Aspects of everyday home life are also taught such as balancing a checkbook, developing a plan of action to include short and long-term goals, preparing and understanding a household budget, and proper use of credit cards.  Participants are encouraged to further their educational career after B.A.S.I.C.S..  Depending where the participant needs to start in furthering his or her education, counseling and educational goals are outlined with the instructor.  Completing one’s high school education or GED is stressed.  Assistance is provided in locating places where the GED test is given.  Instructors also assist participants with filling out applications for college and vocational schools.

     Instead of returning offenders to prison, B.A.S.I.C.S. is returning participants to society as employees, tax payers, productive citizens, future educators and entrepreneurs.  According to Menifee, five hundred inmates graduate from B.A.S.I.C.S. each year.  Since 1976, “Over 9,000 participants have graduated from B.A.S.I.C.S.   with only 16 percent returning to prison,” said Menifee.  Compare that with 37 percent of inmates returning to prison who were not exposed to B.A.S.I.C.S.    The reason for the success of the program  is “dedication in trying to help society by developing a holistic program” said Menifee.  So, what motivates Menifee?  “I like to watch people grow, watch them come back to the community and their family.  I enjoy the success stories of B.A.S.I.C.S. participants,” Menifee said.

     The impact B.A.S.I.C.S. has on society gives a far better return on the dollar than housing an inmate.  To keep one person in a Georgia prison costs $18,000 to $25, 000 annually.  To conduct the World of Work curriculum, it cost $407.00 per participant, per class.  Administrative fees, paying instructors, and buying or producing educational materials are covered by the $407.00 cost. According to Menifee, by taking a step now in funding the program, Georgia would save about $18 million annually while lowering the rate of crime and inmate recidivism.