Societal Reintegration Research Articles

Social Engineering and the Legal Framework: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Drug Rehabilitation Policies in Promoting Socio-Economic Productivity

The interplay between social engineering and legal frameworks significantly influences the effectiveness of drug rehabilitation policies in fostering socio-economic productivity. This study employs a normative juridical approach to evaluate the alignment of existing laws and policies with the goals of societal reintegration and economic empowerment. Findings reveal that while some jurisdictions demonstrate success through integrated and holistic approaches, many face challenges such as stigma, insufficient funding, legal ambiguities, and fragmented systems. A comparative analysis highlights best practices from progressive models, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive legal frameworks, inter-agency coordination, and community-based support. Recommendations include strengthening anti-discrimination laws, integrating support systems, increasing funding, and promoting public awareness. This research underscores the potential of law as a tool for social engineering, providing actionable insights to enhance the socio-economic outcomes of drug rehabilitation policies.

Legislative Approaches to Drug Rehabilitation: A Socio-Legal Analysis of Policies Supporting the Reintegration of Former Addicts into Society

This study explores the legislative frameworks governing drug rehabilitation and the reintegration of former drug addicts into society through a normative juridical analysis. The research examines how laws and policies influence the recovery journey, highlighting critical gaps in anti-discrimination measures, public health integration, and societal reintegration mechanisms. Comparative case studies from countries with progressive approaches, such as Portugal and Norway, illustrate effective models for aligning legal systems with public health strategies. The findings emphasize the need for legislative reforms that promote inclusivity, support long-term recovery, and foster societal acceptance. Recommendations include expanding anti-discrimination protections, incorporating restorative justice mechanisms, and enhancing interagency collaboration to ensure holistic rehabilitation programs. This research contributes to the discourse on aligning law and social policy to address the multifaceted challenges of drug addiction and reintegration.

Association between pysychiatric symptoms and disability among people with drug dependence in the Community-based Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT Background This study explores the severity of psychiatric symptoms and functional impairments in people with drug dependence undergoing Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR), aiming to understand their impact on social reintegration. Methods From Wuxi City’s CBR population, 164 individuals (98 males and 66 females) were evaluated using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised for psychotic symptoms and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS2.0) for functional status. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to analyze the relationships between educational levels, symptom severity, and disability. Results Significant correlations were found between educational levels, General Symptom Index (138.12 ± 48.45), and WHODAS2.0 scores (28.39 ± 17.59), with psychiatric symptoms notably influencing disability scores (p < .01). Multiple regression highlighted obsessive-compulsive, phobic anxiety, and hostility as significant factors affecting disability domains. Conclusion People with drug dependence in CBR exhibit considerable psychiatric symptoms and disabilities, with symptom severity adversely affecting functional abilities. Enhancing psychiatric interventions in CBR may improve their functional outcomes and facilitate societal reintegration.

Emergy assessment for depollution of the Charles de Gaulle stream in Brazil

Objective: This study aimed to conduct an emergy assessment for the depollution of the Charles de Gaulle stream in Brazil. Methodology: A case study approach was employed, utilizing interviews and participant observation for data collection. The emergy assessment was applied to the gathered data, yielding significant results. Originality: This study addresses a critical research gap, as no literature specifically applies emergy assessment to urban stream depollution. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the stream’s revitalization and monitoring impacts, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on clean water and sanitation. Results: Emergy indicators, analyzed through sensitivity analysis, reveal improvements in ecosystem services, resource optimization, and water quality. A decrease in the stream's total emergy indicates clear environmental restoration and societal reintegration into the ecosystem. Contributions: This research demonstrates the feasibility of applying emergy assessment in urban water revitalization. The reduction in total emergy signifies environmental restoration and supports practical actions toward achieving SDG 6 focused on clean water and sanitation.

(Doing) Time Is Money: Confinement, Prison Work and the Reproduction of Carceral Capitalism

This article examines how prison work functions as a site where neoliberal and carceral capitalist logics are reproduced across individual, organisational and societal levels. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in a private UK prison, we argue that confinement exacerbates prisoners’ obsession with money and predatory entrepreneurialism, reflecting and reinforcing the broader dynamics of carceral capitalism at each level. By analysing these interconnected dynamics, we demonstrate how incarceration perpetuates these logics. Furthermore, we illustrate how prison work perpetuates neoliberal exploitation, surveillance and control, hindering rehabilitation and societal reintegration. Our analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the Prison Industrial Complex. We conclude that rather than viewing prisoners as a captive audience for reproducing carceral capitalism, prisons should be reimagined to prioritise the humanity of those impacted by the criminal justice system and to create alternative models of accountability and social transformation.

Analysis of Robert K. Merton's Adaptation Typology in the Implementation of Social Reintegration Program of Correctional Client

This study investigates the social reintegration programs for correctional clients at Sintang Correctional Center in Indonesia, utilizing Robert K. Merton's adaptation typology to analyze the pathways of ex-prisoners during their reintegration process. Emphasizing the rights of prisoners as outlined in Indonesian law, the research highlights the significance of effective community guidance in mitigating recidivism and facilitating successful adaptation. Through qualitative method toward 20 correctional clients, the study identifies the challenges faced by ex-prisoners, including economic hardship and societal stigma, which impede their reintegration efforts. The educational backgrounds of respondents reveal a concerning lack of higher education, further limiting employment opportunities. The community guidance program, structured in three stages those are early, advance, and final stage which aims to enhance the quality of life for these individuals. However, findings indicate that a majority remain engaged in case work rather than group activities, suggesting areas for program improvement. By applying Merton's typology, the study categorizes clients' adaptation experiences into Conformity, Retreatism, and Innovation, illustrating the diverse strategies employed by ex-prisoners in navigating their reintegration. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive community support systems that address the multifaceted challenges faced by correctional clients, ultimately aiming to reduce recidivism and promote successful societal reintegration. Future recommendations include enhancing educational and vocational training opportunities and fostering community acceptance to improve reintegration outcomes.

Unemployment and Personal Income Loss After Traumatic Brain Injury

Employment and personal income loss after traumatic brain injury is a major source of postinjury stress and a barrier to societal reintegration. The magnitude of labor market ramifications following traumatic brain injury remains largely unknown. To quantify the 3-year postinjury labor market consequences following traumatic brain injury in Canada. To also estimate the incurred national labor market cost over the study period. This retrospective quasi-experimental, pan-Canadian observational cohort study used linked administrative health and federal taxation data obtained between 2007 and 2017. Mixed-effects difference-in-difference regressions were constructed to estimate the annualized magnitude of the personal income and employment loss during each of the 3 years following injury, respectively, relative to preinjury baseline. Participants included tax-filing adult (19 to 61 years old) traumatic brain injury survivors. Traumatic brain injury. Coprimary outcomes were personal income loss and the proportion of newly unemployed individuals per annum. Secondary objectives were to quantify income and employment loss within mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injury subgroups. A total of 18 050 patients with traumatic brain injury between 2007 and 2017 were identified (mean age, 38.0 [SD, 12.4] years; 13 360 male [74.0%]), each of whom was followed up with for 3 consecutive fiscal years. Mean income was CAD $42 600 (US $31 083) in the fiscal year prior to injury and 82% were employed at time of injury. The adjusted mean loss of personal income was CAD $7635 (US $5650) in the first year after injury (Y+1) and CAD $5000 (US $3700) in the third year after injury (Y+3) relative to uninjured controls. In each of the 3 postinjury years, 7.8% individuals were newly unemployed compared with the preinjury baseline. The adjusted average personal income loss for mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injury subgroups were CAD $3354 (US $2482), CAD $6750 (US $4995), and CAD $17 375 (US $12 859), respectively, at Y+3; the proportion of unemployed individuals increased by 5.8%, 9.2%, and 20% across the same groups at Y+3 after injury relative to preinjury baseline. The estimated total reduction in personal income aggregated over the 3 postinjury years for the affected participants was CAD $588 million (US $435 million). This work represents national cohort data quantifying the labor market implications of traumatic brain injury. These results may be used to inform economic evaluations and social service resource allocation.

‘Voluntary’ prison labour in the Netherlands

As of 2021, work in prisons in the Netherlands is voluntary, at least to some extent. In this article, I examine the protection of working prisoners’ labour rights after the shift to a voluntary work scheme for prisoners in the Netherlands. Work in Dutch prisons may be freely chosen to some extent, but the Dutch scheme for work in prison raises questions about offenders’ rehabilitation. Having work opportunities while in prison is said to contribute to the learning of skills, promote rehabilitation and societal reintegration and provide prisoners with income. However, prisoners in the Dutch prison perform their work for low pay and have limited meaningful options for the work they perform. This has a profound impact on their time in prison and on their reintegration into the labour market after having served their sentences. I argue that these issues demand an in-depth examination if prisoners’ rights are to be protected. I describe working prisoners’ labour rights in the Netherlands and address the normative question of the rights that working prisoners should have based on the principle that imprisonment itself is the punishment and that extensions of prison sentences in society are illegitimate. My proposal for considering the amendment of the approach to prison labour in the Netherlands aims to be useful for the analysis of prison labour in general.

Unveiling the Elephant in the Room: How do Psychologists Perceive Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offenses?

The societal reintegration of individuals with criminal records, particularly involving sexual offenses, faces challenges due to moral condemnation. Professionals' perspectives are pivotal in facilitating this reintegration process. This study surveyed 314 psychologists via a web-based experiment to assess their judgments regarding allegations of sexual violence and perpetrator's denial. Psychologists with experience in working with individuals convicted of sexual offenses showed a decreased propensity to grant prison benefits upon the progressive disclosure of the sexual offense, which diminished further in the presence of denial. For psychologists lacking such professional experience, judgment worsened solely with the discovery of the sexual offense, but not with denial. Psychologists not experienced in working with individuals with sexual convictions were generally found to have higher levels of malignant satisfaction than their experienced counterparts. Additionally, experienced psychologists exhibited a greater willingness to manage forensic cases and endorsed the effectiveness of treatment, while non-experts displayed less confidence in treatment efficacy, hesitancy in working with such individuals, and a propensity to delegate the case. Availability to handle the case diminished as more information surfaced for both groups. These findings highlight differences in professionals' attitudes based on experience and suggest implications for understanding punitive attitudes towards individuals with sexual convictions.

Unveiling the Shadows: Childhood Traumas and the Dynamics of Seeking Psychological Help and Self-Stigmatization Among Prisoners.

Compared with the general population, prison inmates show a higher prevalence of mental disorders, particularly among those with childhood traumas. Despite childhood traumas being robust indicators of poor mental health, there is limited research on their relationship with prisoners' attitudes toward seeking psychological help. This study investigates the impact of childhood traumas on prisoners' attitudes toward help-seeking and self-stigmatization. This cross-sectional, explanatory study was conducted with 250 persons in prison. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help Scale, and the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman correlation test and multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS Version 28. A significant link was found between childhood traumas and self-stigmatization in seeking psychological help. Positive attitudes toward help-seeking were significantly associated with increased self-stigmatization. Childhood traumas were significantly related to single-parent families, conflicted intrafamilial relationships, entering prison at the age of 19 years or older, mental health issues, and behavioral disorders. Moreover, a meaningful association was observed between self-stigmatization in help-seeking and being from a single-parent family with a low socioeconomic status. In conclusion, imprisoned persons with childhood traumas exhibit higher levels of self-stigmatization in seeking psychological help, contributing to negative attitudes. Recommendations for adequate access to mental health services in prisons include fostering a culture of psychological help, enhancing mental health literacy, providing trauma-informed care, and developing comprehensive strategies. In addition, the suggestion is made for the development of societal reintegration programs.

From active duty to activism: how moral injury and combat trauma drive political activism and societal reintegration among Israeli veterans.

This article deals with combat experiences and their consequences and could be potentially disturbing. Moral injury (MI) is a severe form of combat trauma that shatters soldiers' moral bearings as the result of killing in war. Among the myriad ways that moral injury affects veterans' reintegration into civilian life, its impact on political and societal reintegration remains largely unstudied but crucial for personal, community, and national health. 13 in-depth interviews examine combat soldiers' exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) that include killing enemy combatants, harming civilians, and betrayal by commanders, the military system, and society. Interviewees also described their political activities (e.g., voting, fundraising, advocacy, protest) and social activism (e.g., volunteering, teaching, charitable work). Interviewees also completed the Moral Injury Symptom Scale. Two distinct narratives process PMIEs. In a humanitarian narrative, soldiers hold themselves or their in-group morally responsible for perpetrating, witnessing, or failing to prevent a morally transgressive act such as killing or injuring civilians or placing others at unnecessary risk. In contrast, a national security perspective blames an out-group for leaving soldiers with no choice but to act in ways that trigger moral distress. Associated with shame and guilt, the humanitarian perspective triggered amends-making and social activism after discharge. In contrast, a national security perspective associated with anger and frustration fostered protest and intense political activism. Despite its harmful health effects, moral trauma and injury can drive intense political and social activism, depending upon the narrative veterans adopt to interpret PMIEs. Aside from moral injury's personal, familial, and social effects, moral injury drives veterans' return to the political arena of civil society. As such, veterans play a central role in politics and dramatically affect post-war policy in democratic nations following conflict.

P.115 The national impact of traumatic brain injury on labor markets: a canada-wide observational cohort study of post-injury employment and personal income loss

Background: Employment and personal income loss after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major source of post-injury stress and barrier to societal reintegration for affected patients. We sought to quantify the labor market implications for tax-filing adult TBI survivors. Methods: We performed a matched difference-in-difference analysis using a national retrospective cohort of working adult TBI survivors injured between 2007-2017. Linear and logistic mixed effects regressions were used to estimate the magnitude of personal income loss and proportion of patients displaced from the workforce in the three post-injury years (Y+1 to Y+3). Results: Among 18,050 patients identified with TBI, the adjusted average loss of personal annual income was $-7,635 dollars in Y+1 and $-5,000 in Y+3. An additional -7.8% individuals were newly unemployed compared to the pre-injury baseline. For mild, moderate, and severe TBI subgroups, income loss was $-3354, $-6750, and $-17375 respectively in Y+3; the proportion of newly unemployed individuals in Y+3 was 5.8%, 9.2%, and 20% lower than baseline. We estimated 500 million dollars of incurred labor markets losses related to TBI in Canada. Conclusions: This work represents the first national cohort data quantifying the labor market implications of TBI. These results may be used to inform post-injury care pathways and vocational rehabilitation.

“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.

COVID-19 Linked Social Stigma Among Arab Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Experiences from the Active Phase of the Pandemic.

This study aimed to explore the magnitude and variability of the disease-linked stigma among COVID-19 survivors and their experiences of social stigma, coping strategies, contextual challenges, and preferences for support. An Arabic version of the social stigma survey questionnaire was designed and validated to obtain socio-demographic characteristics and quantitative measures of stigma encountered by the survivors. 482 COVID-19 survivors completed the survey, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results of this study revealed the prevalence of high levels of both perceived external stigma and enacted stigma among participants. Enacted and Internalized stigma were associated with survivors' educational background/ status. The participants suggested three levels of support: organizational, social, and personal. Establishing an online stigma reduction program and national psychological crisis interventions at the organizational level. It is crucial to assist coping mechanisms and societal reintegration techniques at the social level. These results provide valuable insights for holistic health policy formation and preparedness strategies for future pandemics, helping survivors promote health and reintegrate into society, where stigma reduction and psychological crisis interventions are underdeveloped.

Drug Rehabilitation and Educational Tourism Center

Malaysia continues to face rising rates of drug addiction, particularly among the Malay majority, despite substantial governmental efforts and funding aimed at eradicating the issue. Traditional rehabilitation approaches have demonstrated limited success, underscoring the need for innovative strategies. This paper explores the integration of drug rehabilitation centers with educational tourism packages as a novel approach to enhance addiction recovery programs. The proposed method leverages Malaysia’s rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage to offer recovering addicts new experiences, foster familial bonds, improve social skills, and boost self-esteem. A comprehensive analysis of existing rehabilitation practices and educational tourism models was conducted, involving a review of literature, government reports, and case studies. The study develops structured tourism packages in collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private tourism operators, tailored to the needs of recovering addicts. The findings indicate that integrating educational tourism into rehabilitation programs significantly enhances recovery by offering environmental changes that mitigate relapse triggers and improve psychological well-being. The involvement of family members further strengthens emotional support systems and addresses underlying relational issues. The study emphasizes the importance of post-rehabilitation programs, continuous assessment, and skill development to ensure sustained recovery and societal reintegration. In conclusion, this innovative collaboration between rehabilitation centers and educational tourism offers a cost-effective, impactful strategy to address drug addiction in Malaysia by addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of recovery. This approach holds substantial promise for improving rehabilitation outcomes and contributing to the nation’s overall well-being and security.

Exploring New Trends in Physiotherapy for Optimising Recovery in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Narrative Review

Introduction: The present study provides up-to-date insights for healthcare professionals and aim for the improvement in patient outcomes and enhanced recovery. It also focuses on recent advancements in physiotherapy techniques tailored for spinal surgery recovery. Aim: To explore emerging trends and innovative approaches in physiotherapy interventions for patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Materials and Methods: Relevant literature published from January 2019 to March 2024 searched. MeSH terms and keywords were combined in a search strategy. The included studies comprised of patients aged 19-44 years with spinal cord injury. Primary intervention were of new technologies in physiotherapy. Results: A total of 573 studies were found through search and out of them 18 were selected. A total of seven studies were included. Conclusion: The ultimate goal of these interventions is to achieve patient’s societal reintegration and become independent in most of the activities according to the severity of their condition; therefore, improving and updating these strategies create opportunities for innovative research, as well as implementing rehabilitation strategies as a complement for non pharmacological strategies for the SCI patient.

Actualization of the Maqāsid Al-Sharī'ah in Indonesia: A Case Study of the Spiritual Counting of Prisoners in Judicial Institutions

&lt;p&gt;Correctional institutions are undergoing a transformative shift from punitive spaces to acknowledging the humanity of inmates. This study delves into Indonesian correctional facilities' religious-based coaching programs prioritizing inmate protection, reintegration, and dignity. Analyzing these through Islamic law and Maqasid al-sharī’ahprinciples, it explores personality development models and identifies limitations in current approaches. While initial findings showcase positive outcomes—behavioural changes and reduced distress—the study highlights the predominance of lecture-based programs, signalling the need for more comprehensive Islamic law-based models. Different inmate categories, especially those in serious crimes, display varying spiritual indicator weights. Spiritual development correlates positively with behavioural adjustments. Overcapacity issues in certain facilities, like Salemba and Jakarta Women's Correctional Institutions, pose severe challenges—from limited resources to inadequate staff ratios and hindrances in providing proper medical and psychological support, notably impacting drug abuse victims. The study underscores the urgency of restorative justice in sentencing, emphasizing rehabilitation and societal reintegration.&lt;/p&gt;

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.

Collaborative Governance Model on The Guidance of Terrorist Parolees (Case Study in Surakarta Parole Office)

This research delves into the collaborative governance framework concerning the reintegration guidance of terrorist parolees, as exemplified by the Surakarta Parole Office. Terrorism, a global concern, is defined as a criminal undertaking intended to overtly propagate fear and panic, perpetrated by specific factions either for ideological or distinct political motives. Addressing terrorism necessitates the concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders. Within the realm of Corrections, Parole Offices assume the responsibility of aiding terrorist parolees in their societal reintegration. However, the current level of collaboration between the Parole Office and stakeholders in this particular endeavor remains suboptimal. This study aims to identify the factors contributing to this issue, employing a qualitative methodology with a descriptive orientation. Through meticulous data analysis, it is revealed that collaborative governance in the context of guiding terrorist parolees within the Surakarta Parole Office is not functioning at its full potential due to several factors, aligned with the four dimensions of Ansell and Gash's (2007) collaborative governance model, namely Starting Conditions, Collaborative Process, Facilitative Leadership, Institutional Design, and Outcome. To optimize the collaborative framework for guiding terrorist parolees, this research proposes an enhanced collaborative governance model building upon the foundation laid by Ansell and Gash. This model advocates for a comprehensive collaborative approach involving pertinent multi-actors.

How restrictions of choice affect the sense of agency: the case of personal autonomy in prison

PurposeImprisonment is associated with far-reaching restrictions of personal autonomy, which critically depends on the sense of agency (SoA), i.e. the experience of control over one’s own actions and the consequences of these actions. Lack of personal choice and coercion to engage in specific actions disrupt the neurocognitive basis of SoA, which can have a profound impact on social behaviour, self-reliance and well-being. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to address the relationship between autonomy, choice restrictions and SoA in prisoners and the ability to reenter society after release.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper integrates existing empirical evidence from research on the role of personal autonomy and lack of freedom in prison and recent research using neurocognitive methods to study the processes underlying the effects of choice restrictions and coercion on SoA.FindingsBuilding on prior empirical observations, the authors suggest that investigating how and when imprisonment undermines SoA through the restriction of personal choice can provide valuable insights into prisoners’ challenges in regulating and organizing their behavior and to accommodate the rules of society.Originality/valueThis conceptual paper offers directions for future research to further our understanding of autonomy restrictions on SoA in prison and its downstream consequences for societal reintegration.