LITERACY AND JUSTICE

Low literacy can play a role in criminal behaviour, as
those with lower skills often have fewer chances to play
positive roles in their communities. ⁵

Prison educational programs
provide opportunities to change such.

On average, offenders have lower literacy skills than
the general population.

They experience literacy problems
at three times the rate of the general population.

36% of offenders have not completed grade nine.

According to the Correctional Service of Canada, the
average education level of newly admitted offenders,
serving 2 years or more,
is grade seven.¹⁴

Offenders who improve their literacy skills
are less likely to re-offend.
An investment in literacy for them
is an effective crime prevention strategy.