Arts behind bars
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".
A mixture of law, politics, autobiography and humour. Once described as "The Devilish Advocate" (Guardian), I do have the ability to provoke a response. Sometimes it comes from someone who uses a thought process, and sometimes from jerks usually associated with the knee.
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