Findings, declarations relative to a correctional, rehabilitative program for juvenile, youthful offenders

2. The Legislature finds and declares that there is a present need to provide for certain juvenile and young adult offenders a special program of incarceration stressing a highly structured routine of discipline, regimentation, exercise and work therapy, together with substance use disorder and self-improvement counseling, education and an intensive program of aftercare supervision. The Legislature further finds and declares that such a program would: a. Develop positive attitude and behavior traits which will foster the work ethic and contribute to the maturity of the participants by utilizing proven techniques of regimentation and structured discipline; b. Foster self-control, self-respect, teamwork and improved work habits for such offenders so as to enable these offenders to return to society as law-abiding citizens; c. Provide young adult and juvenile offenders with a rehabilitative experience which will positively influence their behavior and help thwart future criminal activity; d. Allow for a more creative use of correctional resources than the simple custody of prisoners; e. Reduce corrections costs by shortening stays of incarceration; f. Increase an offender's potential for rehabilitation and decrease recidivism by providing a structured, integrated and comprehensive treatment program which includes both an institutional regimen and an intensively supervised aftercare component in the community; g. Provide meaningful and productive work opportunities and vocational training to enhance and expand offenders' marketable skills; and h. Help to alleviate overcrowding in prisons and juvenile facilities. L.1995, c.330, s.2; amended 2023, c.177, s.143.