Rehabilitation Of Prisoners Research Articles

Beyond profit: A model framework for ethical and feasible private prison labour

In response to increased interest from states and companies as well as momentum on the issue of private prison labour in the past few decades, this article offers a comprehensive model framework aimed at reconciling profit-driven objectives with prisoner rehabilitation. The article addresses the debate surrounding prison labour for private for-profit entities and proposes a model that attempts to remedy some of the issues and criticisms that arise from the practice. Drawing on the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) of the International Labour Organisation, the framework integrates certain provisions from the standard, emphasising public supervision, consent and labour guarantees. Equally, it tries to address concerns of unfair competition and job displacement while promoting ‘meaningful' work and encouraging post-release employment of prisoners. Recognising the need for some practical feasibility and in a bid to shift the incentives for private entities to employ prisoners, from ‘cheap’ labour to fairer work practices, the model argues that other benefits such as tax breaks or subsidies may help align private and rehabilitative goals. As governments have turned to the private sector to increase work opportunities for prisoners, this paper argues that a more equitable and rehabilitative approach should follow, representative of societal values.

Un ministro homicida: polémicas en la prensa norteamericana en torno al caso de Jacob S. Harden (1860)

This study examines the case of Jacob S. Harden, a young Methodist preacher who in 1860 was tried, convicted, and executed in a rural town in the state of New Jersey, United States, for the murder of his wife. The study focuses on the controversies raised in the North American press regarding the case, and how these controversies reflected some evolving ideas in the United Sates at the time: ideas regarding criminal psychology, the causes of criminality, the possibility of prison rehabilitation, the relationship between the clergy and radical movements of reform and social experimentation, and the relative value of public executions as a form of moral admonition for the masses.

Problems of Countering the Criminal Subculture in the Penitentiary System of Kazakhstan

The present paper examines the problematic issues of countering the criminal subculture in the conditions of the penitentiary system of Kazakhstan. Currently, the administration of these institutions, various state bodies, and numerous public organisations are engaged in the rehabilitation of prisoners. Through joint efforts, it was possible to stop the wide spread of criminal ideology in places of detention. At the same time, a detailed study of the current situation shows that the criminal subculture, primarily the phenomenon of “code-bound thieves”, till plays a certain role there, since it was formed over many decades of Soviet and post-Soviet history. In modern conditions, this phenomenon has been significantly transformed, but nevertheless, it seeks to strengthen its influence in the penitentiary system of Kazakhstan.

Promoting and Sustaining Sexual Health as a Health Resource in Prisons - A Scoping Review

Sexual health is a neglected topic in prisons, even though sexual health is a basic human need that includes physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects. There is limited knowledge concerning how to promote and sustain the sexual health of prisoners. The aim of this study was to increase knowledge of sexual health promotion as a health resource in prisons. By conducting a scoping review, we searched for sexual health-promoting activities, approaches or experiences from prisons globally. The findings included sexual health interventions covering conjugal visits and sexual health promotion through education and collaboration. There are connections between mental health and sexual health for prisoners, and sexual health also influences quality of life. In conclusion, it is evident that there is a significant imperative for further research, interventions and measures in this domain to ensure holistic rehabilitation for prisoners.

Double jeopardy for families of prisoners in Kashmir: A focus on prison visiting experiences

This analysis delves into the challenges faced by women prisoners’ families in Kashmir during the prison visitation process. Drawing on 51 interviews with incarcerated women and their families, this article elucidates the difficulties in establishing and maintaining communication with the prisoners. Despite the pivotal role families play in the visitation process and rehabilitation of prisoners, there is a notable absence of consideration of the challenges from the familial perspective in extant discourse. In the context of Kashmir, the visitation process is intricately complicated, as logistical and political challenges intertwine to add layers of complexity to the procedure. Further, there exists negligible research that considers the perspective of families visiting their loved ones in prison. The article explores the double jeopardy families face due to financial strain, long travel distances, strict prison procedures, lockdowns due to the pandemic and political instability. The analysis illustrates the gendered complexities involved in sustaining connections with women prisoners amid practical and emotional constraints.

Pivotal Role of Prison Libraries as an Information Resource for Prisoner Rehabilitation

Abstract This article delves into the multifaceted roles of prison libraries in rehabilitating and reintegrating incarcerated individuals. It begins by underscoring the significance of education in correctional facilities and the inherent challenges of providing access to educational resources due to security constraints. The primary objective of this study is to scrutinize the theoretical underpinnings that drive the rehabilitative functions of prison libraries and identify existing gaps in the literature. This research, through a comprehensive analysis of various empirical studies, reveals the pivotal role played by prison libraries in fostering personal growth, facilitating social integration among inmates, serving as havens where prisoners are afforded the autonomy to choose their reading materials, empowering them to enhance their lives through self-directed learning, and contributing to cultural enrichment, literacy advancement, and preparation for successful reintegration into society. The findings of this integrated literature review underscore the constructive influence of prison libraries on effective time management and offering meaningful activities for prisoner rehabilitation. This study highlights the need for further research that amalgamates robust theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence, thereby establishing how prison libraries can efficaciously contribute to prisoner rehabilitation. This study also informs policy formulation to enable correctional institutions to utilize these insights to bolster behavioural management strategies.

Paradoxes of experiencing time and functioning in Prison – longitudinal studies and their implications for psychological interventions

The following work presents a study of a group of 10 men serving a prison sentence, concerning temporal dispositions of their personality (i.e. time perspective, hope, future anxiety, acceptance of the past). The research was longitudinal—it was repeated after one year in order to check whether and to what extent these variables changed under the conditions of a specific situation—a stay in prison. In the course of the research, slight, statistically significant changes in the profile of temporal variables were noticed in the group of respondents after one year. There were also significant differences in the level of these variables compared to the validation groups, which shows the specificity of this group of prisoners. Based on in-depth analysis of two case studies, exemplary directions for social rehabilitation and psychological support for prisoners, which consider their temporal experiences, were proposed.

Impact of Library Resources on Prison Education in India: A Review of Re-habilitation Efforts

This review synthesizes findings from two case studies focusing on the role of library resources in facilitating education and rehabilitation in Indian prisons. The first study explores the educational landscape within Indian prisons, highlighting various initiatives and challenges in delivering effective educational programs to inmates. The second study delves into the specific impact of library services in the District Jail of Gautam Buddha Nagar, examining how access to diverse reading materials and information resources aids in the intellectual and emotional development of inmates. Together, these studies underscore the significant role of library resources in supporting prisoner education and rehabilitation in India. They reveal how well-managed prison libraries, equipped with a broad range of materials and services, can contribute to the reformation, skill development, and overall well-being of inmates, thereby playing a crucial part in their successful reintegration into society.

Innovative approaches in the rehabilitation of military prisoners of war and residents of temporarily occupied territories

Background. As of January 4, 2024, 2828 military personnel and civilians have been released from Russian captivity [1, 2]. All of them require rehabilitation, both physical and psychological. Considering the large number of military and civilian individuals facing psychological difficulties due to war-related traumas and stressful situations, the development of innovative rehabilitation methods becomes a strategically important task. Taking into account the complexity of the causes of armed conflicts, it is evident that special programs and measures need to be developed for the psychological rehabilitation of servicemen who have experienced psychologically traumatic conditions during military-professional activities. Special attention should be given to the development of individualized approaches that consider the unique needs and experiences of each affected individual, providing them with the opportunity to recover not only physically but also psychologically. Among the main directions of psychological rehabilitation of the personality, a reevaluation of practices focused on self-identification and autonomy is considered. This includes the exploration of new communicative territories and the creation of meanings in accordance with the stage of the life path. It is noted that the construction of new meanings and their personal interpretation is facilitated during a productive, symmetrical dialogue between the traumatized individual and the psychotherapist. Such dialogue helps reconstruct life history, transform an extraordinary event into one of the elements of a series of events, and accept a new demarcation of boundaries between peaceful and war experiences, pre-war and present friends, former and current values, plans, and preferences. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the research on the development of integrated and effective support aimed at the physical, mental and social recovery of prisoners of war and civilians who were in the temporarily occupied territories. Materials and Methods. Meta-analysis; interviews, history taking; medical assessment of physical condition; assessment of mental condition, namely psychiatric examination; psychological assessment – questionnaire to determine the level of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental symptoms. Results. A significant number of prisoners of war and individuals who have been in temporarily occupied territories or captivity require targeted psychological rehabilitation measures. According to the results of numerous studies, 70% of individuals still experience maladaptation one to two years later. This is manifested in the inability to adapt to civilian life, including symptoms such as fear, high levels of anxiety, lack of optimism and activity in various situations, as well as problems with alcohol, drugs, and others [3–5]. Conclusions. The study of innovative approaches to the rehabilitation of prisoners of war and persons from the temporarily occupied territories confirms the need for individualized strategies that facilitate their return to normal functioning in society.

Innate Health: A Novel Examination of What Explains Well-Being, Prosocial Behavior, and Aggression Among Men Living in a U.K. Prison

Evidence shows that well-being for mental health in prison is an important component of prison rehabilitation efforts—including notably lowering recidivism rates after release. While support for well-being initiatives in U.K. prisons has grown, few prison programs offer a health-promoting focus or invest in well-being interventions. Therefore, this study seeks to replicate and extend emerging data on an innate health intervention. Volunteers from HMP Nottingham ( N=127) participated in normal prison programming. The intervention group ( n=66) received an additional 3-day intensive. This study found higher levels of innate health, self-control, well-being, and prosocial behavior and lower levels of aggression within the intervention group and as compared with the control group. Next, we conducted a mediation analysis to test if innate health, self-control, and/or social desirability bias could explain these positive changes. Importantly, innate health did play a mediating role equivalent to and/or partnering with self-control, whereas social desirability bias did not.

“There is More to It than Recidivism” – Outcome Scores among Released Prisoners who participated in Prison-Based “Employment World” Programmes

AbstractIn the quest for effective prisoner rehabilitation, while there is existing literature that predominantly emphasizes recidivism rates, it is important to recognize that this singular focus may sometimes overshadow the broader dimensions crucial for successful societal reintegration. This study, therefore, investigates the multifaceted outcomes of an employment training programme offered by the Israel Prison Service. Employing propensity score matching, we compared outcomes between programme participants and non-participants. Our analysis encompassed recidivism rates, employment stability, income levels, tax-paying behaviour and welfare service engagement. While recidivism rates remained largely unaffected, our findings unveiled promising results in other domains. Programme participants exhibited enhanced employment stability, realized higher incomes, demonstrated increased engagement in tax-paying and accessed welfare services more frequently. This study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to assessing rehabilitation effectiveness, extending beyond the singular metric of recidivism. While acknowledging certain limitations, our research highlights that employment training programmes may not have a direct impact on recidivism but can significantly contribute to labour market reintegration and promote more productive and socially responsible behaviours. It advocates further exploring diverse outcome measures to develop holistic rehabilitation strategies.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Initiatives in Reducing Recidivism in Tanzania: Evidence from Isanga and Ukonga Central Prisons

Although there have been different rehabilitation activities introduced by Tanzania Prison Services (TPS) since independence to reduce recidivism, the rate of recidivism has remained relatively high with the prevalence of reoffending and stigma on the part of ex-prisoners. Failure to effectively implement rehabilitation activities is said to be among the causes of an increase in recidivism by the ex-prisoners. With support from cognitive behavioural therapy, human capital theory, and labelling theory, this study aimed to explore the effects of rehabilitation activities on reducing recidivism in Tanzania by combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, discussions, and observations. Quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression, while qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. Findings revealed that informal rehabilitation activities were not able to reduce the reoffending behaviour of recidivists. The effective rehabilitation activities were those focused on life skills, psychosocial aspects, and educational programs. Problems such as curriculum design, financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, attendance problems, and varying literacy levels among prisoners pose obstacles to the effective rehabilitation of prisoners. Therefore, rehabilitation initiatives should focus on generating practical skills that contribute to the successful reintegration of prisoners into society. In addition, life skills, spiritual, psychological, and educational programs must be supported by authentic curricula and well-defined delivery modes. Prison management should also be sensitized to the importance of disciplinary science, aftercare services, and startup capital for enhancing reintegration, proper rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism among prisoners.

Prison Rehabilitation Programs and Recidivism

Prison Rehabilitation Programs and Recidivism

Experiences of a fine dining event held inside a working prison

ABSTRACT Fine dining experiences offered inside working prisons are one type of hospitality initiative attempting to support prisoner rehabilitation and offer a memorable dining experience for the paying public. Previous hospitality research has not explored how fine dining delivered in a working prison, offered through this type of social initiative, is experienced by those involved: the inmates volunteering in the event, the celebrity chefs who mentor them, paying diners and other event stakeholders. This case study research examined the “Gate to Plate” fine dining event held inside Rimutaka men’s prison in New Zealand. We analysed publicly available material online about this hospitality initiative to discern the key experiences of those involved. Thematic analysis of the data revealed four main themes relating to the experiences of those involved in the fine dining event: a quality food and meal experience; pride and passion arising from being involved; skills for change; and shifted perceptions. While the case study research revealed positive experiences of the prison’s fine dining event and suggested it was a potentially transformative experience for all those involved in it, we critically discuss wider implications of the event, and the positive portrayals by all those involved, for hospitality initiatives in working prisons.

Transforming Prison Rehabilitation with Inmate-led Religious Movements

Transforming Prison Rehabilitation with Inmate-led Religious Movements

The empowerment of the educational concept of spiritual rehabilitation of muslim prisoners in Singapore Prison

The Singapore government pays considerable attention to rehabilitation programs for prison inmates. The programs have proven to be influential in keeping recidivism rates relatively low. Muslim prisoners are no exception. Although not all of them are willing to change, the right concept of rehabilitation can motivate prisoners to rebuild their lives. This research tries to offer the concept of religious-based rehabilitation education for Muslim prisoners through Islamic education. The research method used is a qualitative method using a qualitative descriptive approach. The type of research is case study research by focuses on a literature review. The data used is taken from documents related to rehabilitation activities in prisons that have occurred and scientific research that has been done before. The results suggest that there are four important foundations in the concept of religious-based rehabilitation education for Muslim prisoners in Singapore prisons. The four foundations are the purpose of the concept, the program or curriculum of the rehabilitation education program, the process of the rehabilitation program, and finally the evaluation of all the programs that have been developed. Abstrak Pemerintah Singapura memberi perhatian yang cukup baik pada program rehabilitasi para narapidana di penjara. Program-programnya terbukti dapat mempengaruhi dalam menjaga tingkat residivisme kembali berbuat jahat menjadi relatif rendah. Tak terkecuali dengan para narapidana muslim. Meskipun tidak semua dari mereka bersedia untuk berubah, namun dengan konsep rehabilitasi yang tepat dapat memotivasi narapidana untuk membangun kembali kehidupan mereka. Penelitian ini mencoba menawarkan konsep pendidikan rehabilitasi berbasis religius untuk para narapidana muslim melalui pendidikan Islam. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Jenis penelitiannya adalah penelitian studi kasus dengan memfokuskan penelitian pada kajian pustaka pustaka. Data-data yang digunakan diambil dari dokumen-dokumen yang terkait dengan kegiatan rehabilitasi di penjara yang sudah terjadi dan penelitian-penelitian ilmiah yang telah dilakukan sebelumnya. Hasil penelitian menawarkan ada empat pondasi penting dalam sebuah konsep pendidikan rehabilitasi berbasis religius untuk para narapidana muslim di penjara Singapura. Empat pondasi itu adalah tujuan konsep itu dibuat, program atau kurikulum dari program pendidikan rehabiltasi tersebut, proses dari program rehabilitasi, dan terakhir evaluasi dari semua program-program yang telah disusun.

Peran Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Dalam Upaya Rehabilitasi Narapidana Untuk Mengurangi Tingkat Residivis

Correctional Institutions (Lapas) have a role not only as places of sanctions implementation, but also as spaces for transformation aimed at reducing the potential for recurring criminal activities, commonly known as recidivism. The research methodology employed is a juridical-sociological approach, which combines legal analysis and social aspects to elucidate the role of Lapas in the reformation of prisoners. This research delves into the legal foundation governing the responsibilities of Lapas and also analyzes regulations related to prisoner rehabilitation. The findings of the research indicate that Correctional Institutions (Lapas) play a central role in the rehabilitation process of prisoners, including the formulation of rehabilitation programs, education, skills training, and psychosocial approaches. The rehabilitation efforts undertaken by Lapas aid prisoners in skill development, behavioral transformation, and preparation for successful social reintegration. Despite encountering obstacles, Lapas has legal foundations and social practices that support the objectives of implementing prisoner rehabilitation. The challenges confronted by Lapas in conducting rehabilitation, such as limited facilities and social challenges, underscore the importance of synergy between legal and social aspects in comprehending the role of Lapas in addressing the recurring challenges of crime rates through prisoner rehabilitation efforts.

Investigation Into the Implementation of Rehabilitation in the Penal System

The implementation of rehabilitation programs in the penal system has garnered significant attention to address the root causes of criminal behaviour and facilitate the successful reintegration of offenders into society. However, the effectiveness of rehabilitation in prisons remains a subject of debate. Specifically, it is disputed what factors influence rehabilitation effectiveness, with particular attention given to psychological and educational rehabilitation approaches, as well as factors affecting socio-demographic groups like age, race, and gender. The project conducted in-depth interviews with Ukrainian and Canadian university students to explore this issue further. Studies on rehabilitation effectiveness have produced varying results, with some indicating positive changes in inmates' psychological well-being and easier societal reintegration. In contrast, others have shown limited or no significant improvements. Their insight highlighted the need for improvements in the rehabilitation process to ensure public safety and reduce recidivism rates. By addressing these concerns, society can have greater confidence in the rehabilitative efforts undertaken in correctional facilities, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all.

Religion, Accountability, and the Risk of Aggressive Misconduct Among Prisoners: Preliminary Evidence of Restorative Rehabilitation.

Prior research has found inverse relationship between religious involvement and misconduct among prisoners. In this study, we examined the mediating role of accountability as welcoming responsibility for one's actions with respect to the transcendent (e.g., God or a higher power) and other people. We applied structural equation modeling to analyze data from surveys with 339 individuals (108 females and 231 males) incarcerated at three facilities in Texas. We found that prisoner religiosity was positively related to transcendent accountability, which was in turn positively associated with human accountability. Human accountability was then positively associated with empathy and negatively associated with impulsivity. Via impulsivity, human accountability was indirectly and inversely related to anger, depression, and anxiety. Further, the other-directed negative emotion (anger) was positively associated with the risk of other-directed, aggressive misconduct. The results suggest that accountability as forward-looking, active responsibility may play an important role in the restorative rehabilitation of prisoners.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Rehabilitation of the Former Prisoners of War

The emotional state of military personnel engaged in the extensive operations taking place in Ukraine is undoubtedly impacted. This especially applies to former prisoners of war (POWs) who have experienced mental and physical trauma. Optimizing their subjective well-being and life satisfaction can contribute to the development of emotional intelligence during the rehabilitation process. The purpose of the study is to identify the importance of emotional intelligence in enhancing the subjective well-being of former POWs. Methods. The following psychometric tests were used for diagnosis: EQ-Test, the Scale of subjective well-being, and Satisfaction with life scale (SWLS). During the statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were utilized. Results. The study found that the subjects have low emotional intelligence (M=39.31, SD=12.85), low subjective well-being (M=50.19, SD=11.06), and an average level of life satisfaction (M= 17.05, SD=8.96). Correlation analysis established a direct relationship between emotional intelligence and subjective well-being (r=0.483, p≤0.01) and life satisfaction (r=0.723, p≤0.01). Conclusions. The study statistically confirmed that emotional intelligence is an essential factor in the process of rehabilitation of former prisoners of war, as it contributes to their attainment of subjective well-being and life satisfaction. This aids in reinstating the individual's psychological balance after captivity, enhances the medical and physical recuperation process of the body, and ensures full reintegration. Prospects. The obtained results contribute to the rehabilitation system of rehabilitation for former prisoners of war, as they elaborate a comprehensive emotional intelligence approach to ensure their subjective well-being and life satisfaction.