Rehabilitation of Prison Inmates

Rehabilitation of Prison Inmates

Prison inmate rehabilitation is a critical step in preparing inmates to join society once they complete their jail term. In most cases, the rehabilitation process focuses on approaches that eliminate mental effects associated with some crimes, as Derlic (2020) discussed. Previously, most rehabilitation processes have focused on educational programs, mental health support, and work-related training that equip prisoners with the ability to compete equally in the job market, as indicated by Heseltine, Day, & Sarre (2011). These ways have been ineffective in preparing inmates back the society because they fail to address character weaknesses associated with committing crimes.

Some of the creative ways to rehabilitate prison inmates for possible release back to society are as follows. First, prison inmates can be rehabilitated through Prisoner Facilitated Mediation, as outlined by Balafoutas et al. (2020). It is a process that focuses on improving inmates' decision-making ability and educating them on how to communicate effectively, as indicated by Oliveira & Graca (2018). It equips them with the ability to think critically, takes responsibility for their actions, and achieve peaceful coexistence with society. The other creative rehabilitation process involves allowing inmates to participate actively in programs within the prison. It enables them to gain a sense of responsibility for themselves and other members of society.

Finally, the faith-based organization offers a critical form of inmate rehabilitation. They provide psychological and spiritual support to the inmates. Again, most of these organizations engage the convicts and gives them the morale to be responsible for their lives. Both convicts and ex-convicts are supported for easy re-entry and coping with society, as stated by Timler, Brown, & Varcoe (2019). Based on a few Biblical scriptures such as Mathew 11:12, Romans 16:7, and Acts 12:1 and 12:5, they also point instances of individuals' rehabilitation. For example, apostles Paul, John, and Peter used mentorship as an essential rehabilitation approach to support convicted Christian followers, as highlighted by Tucker & Luetz (2021). As highlighted in Mathew 25:36, Christians are urged to be vibrant in helping inmates (Skotnicki & Carm, (2004).

References

Balafoutas, L., García-Gallego, A., Georgantzis, N., Jaber-Lopez, T., & Mitrokostas, E. (2020). Rehabilitation and social behavior: Experiments in prison. Games and Economic Behavior, 119, 148-171.

Derlic, D. (2020). A Systematic Review of Literature: Alternative Offender Rehabilitation—Prison Yoga, Mindfulness, and Meditation. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 26(4), 361-375.

Heseltine, K., Day, A., & Sarre, R. (2011). Prison-based correctional offender rehabilitation programs: The 2009 national picture in Australia. Australian Institute of Criminology.

Oliveira, L., & Graca, D. (Eds.). (2018). Info communication skills as a rehabilitation and social reintegration tool for inmates. IGI Global.

Timler, K., Brown, H., & Varcoe, C. (2019). Growing connection beyond prison walls: How a prison garden fosters rehabilitation and healing for incarcerated men. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 58(5), 444-463.

Tucker, S., & Luetz, J. M. (2021). Art Therapy and Prison Chaplaincy: A Review of Contemporary Practices Considering New Testament Teachings. Innovating Christian Education Research, 239-269.

Skotnicki, A., & Carm, O. (2004). The Prison Chaplain and the Mission of the Church. New Theology Review, 17(2).