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by pltm
(PLTM) - Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. David Foot said that all is being done to avoid prisoners reoffending when they are released back into society.
He said that during his tenure, he has placed major emphasis on rehabilitation to reduce the reoffending rate.
Foot explained that there are programmes in place to address violent, sexual and substance abuse offenses, with plans to implement more during the course of this year.
"...The introduction of a Thinking-Skilled programme and training for staff and how they can actively help to rehabilitate prisoners. These programmes will be structured through the sentencing planning process, ensuring that prisoners are engaged and that we direct the correct intervention to the right individuals," Foot explained.
He said that they also examine why an individual commits a crime.
"If a man steals, is it because he is hungry or it is to buy drugs? If he is hungry, he needs a job and we need to focus on employment; if it's drugs, he needs a referral to substance issue services."
Speaking to the Restorative Justice programme, he said this includes face-to-face conferencing, which is alternative to custody for first time juvenile offenders.
"These have provided good results and work release has allowed prisoners to become involved in community pay back at the Adina Donovan Home (ADH), Safe Haven and library, among others."
The prison head stated that education is a crucial part of the process and it touches many elements of the rehabilitation.
"An individual with better education improves (their) self confidence and opens door for employment...Financial management improves when prisoners learn Math, enabling them to budget and garner less debt, all pressures that can lead to offending," Foot stated.
He noted that the vocational programmes should be tailored to the local market to maximize an individual's chances for employment upon release.
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