As the Minnesota prison population continues to rise, so does the number of children being left behind.  According to a 1996 study by the National Crime Prevention Council, preventing one child from dropping out of school and growing up to live a life of crime saves society approximately $2 million.  The Minnesota Department of Corrections budget for 2008 is nearly $460 million. Preventing 230 kids from growing up to live a life of crime would cover the entire DOC budget for one year.