Society puts people in prison and expects them to reintegrate after their sentence and not reoffend. But recidivism is high because often the root cause of offending is not addressed.
Rehabilitation can be described as restoring, rebuilding, or repairing and in the context of those that have spent time in prison a means of re-joining society and hopefully being accepted, but that’s not always the case.
But what if they don’t want to be “rehabilitated” or don’t see the need for it? This is when questions arise such as:
Can true rehabilitation exist, if so what does it look like?
Does ‘rehabilitation’ force a way of life onto people that we deem ‘acceptable’?
Does our lifestyle fit the mould that we expect of those that have offended and ‘need to be rehabilitated’?
We must ask ourselves if we really want to give people a 2nd,3rd…chance or whether we as a society are too punitive to allow people to move forward with their lives.
So, society can and does hinder rehabilitation by placing certain requirements upon those that have broken the law that may not be relevant and therefore putting unnecessary pressures on them.
What we as part of society expect, could we even live up to and could it be said we are setting people up to fail so we can say “I told you so”?
It is too easy to recall over minor issues such as lateness to appointments or forgetfulness when we all fall foul of these from time to time. Making those expectations so high we could almost see rehabilitation as a form of control or conformity to a norm that many would not recognise.
For some picking up where they left off is not an option due to the nature of the crime, family circumstances or health.
But if we build a barrier to those who pose no threat to society which prevents them from re-joining their work sector then are we continuing to punish?
I have seen the crushing stigma that many live under on release; the failure of a system that is meant to be there for them beyond the gate, the lack of accommodation, the difficulties of finding work, the list goes on.
Recently David Gauke the Secretary of State for Justice said:
“…I want more employers to look past an offender’s conviction to their future potential.
How do we do that?
Well, we do it by working more closely with employers, so they open their eyes to the benefits of hiring ex-offenders…”
Sounds all well and good, however, the stigma of a criminal record can be a barrier to even getting an interview. As Christopher Stacey, Co-director of Unlock states:
“The current criminal record disclosure has multiple, harsh consequences and damaging effects on individuals, in particular it deters people from applying for employment and for those that do apply it brings high levels of stress, anxiety and feelings of shame and stigma. It acts as an additional sentence that often runs for life. It desperately needs reform”
https://twitter.com/unlockcharity/status/1008633161478176769
Is it time for society to think differently towards people who find themselves in prison and as Erwin James (The Guardian, 2013) succinctly wrote:
“…however unpalatable it may be to some, the fact is prisoners are still people, and if we want them to have any respect for society when they get out we need to be mindful of their dignity as fellow human beings” (Erwin James, The Guardian 2013)
first published on http://www.raggeduniversity.co.uk
The Criminal Justice Blog 
Should we not focus more on encouraging ex prisoners to be employers rather than employees. Too many former prisoners get help with finding a “job”, but not enough support in developing a “career”.
Good point but is the support and encouragement there to help make that step?
Another on-point piece by my friend
As someone that has spent several years in custody as a young man and now works in the Criminal Justice System, I have recently wrote a book about my journey.
I was recently asked by someone in quite a senior position after doing so “Andi, how long do you want to be seen as an ex-offenders for”.
It was clear that this person meant I may be discriminated against as a result of writing my book and sharing these experiences.
Only someone that hasn’t got a criminal record like mine would ever day such a thing.
Firstly, being an exprisoner or ex offender are social constructs and labels that have been placed on me, not something I identify as. I dont identify as an ex smoker either but I once smoked.
Secondly, every time I apply for a job in my current field I’m reminded of my past. I have to share it with people I want to make believe I’m hard working, dedicated and committed. Again, a social construct that I do not control.
However, writing a book about the unfortunate journey of care, adversity, substance misuse and school exclusion which all led to offending isn’t a social construct. No, that’s me owning my life journey and taking control of it.
If we are to truly believe as a society that people with convictions that have led them to spending time in custody can make a positive contribution, we need to rethink how we place labels on them. After all, this is something they don’t control, they only control how they respond to them labels & social constructs.
BBC recently reported that 75% of UK Business wouldn’t employ an ex prisoner. A very interesting response from a liberal forgiving society that is progressive and understanding.
Andi Brierley
Reblogged this on voicesfromabox.