What can be considered a key indicator of a rehabilitation program's success?

Reduced recidivism rates are a key indicator of a rehabilitation program's success because they reflect the program's effectiveness in preventing individuals from reoffending after they have completed their rehabilitation. The primary goal of most rehabilitation programs is to help individuals reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. When recidivism rates decrease, it signifies that the program is successfully addressing the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, such as behavioral challenges, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Ultimately, lower recidivism indicates that participants are able to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during their rehabilitation to avoid future criminal activity, demonstrating overall program effectiveness in promoting lasting change in behavior.

While high participation rates, low staff turnover, and increased funding can be supportive factors for a rehabilitation program, they do not directly measure the program's impact on reducing criminal behavior among participants.