International Law

Arts behind bars

By John Hirst

By David Ramsbotham

If we believe in rehabilitating offenders, then we must recognise the role cultural activities can play in rebuilding self-esteem

"I doubt that there is anyone who disagrees that the aim of the penal system should be to protect the public by preventing re-offending. Translated into a direct statement of purpose, namely to help offenders to live useful and law-abiding lives in prison and on release, it gives clear guidance to those responsible for the rehabilitation of offenders.

To succeed this requires three separate phases. First, an assessment of what it is that has prevented a person from leading a useful and law-abiding life thus far, followed by a further assessment of what must be done to put that right. Those assessments must then be turned into separate programmes for each person, based on the severity of the symptom and the time available. Second, that programme must be carried out. Third, a plan must be made for the person's transition back into society, which may well include continuation of the recommended treatment".

Full post as published by prisonlawinsideout on November 05, 2008 (boomark / email).