Offender Rehabilitation in the South African Correctional System : Myth or Realty

• NCJ Number: 221547
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 83-101
• Author(s): C. Cilliers; J. Smit
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon Downloaded on February 13, 2008.

Annotation

This paper puts forth a body of evidence about measures that have proven to be effective in establishing rehabilitation as a reality for South Africa’s correctional system.

Abstract

The Department of Correctional Services in South Africa is in the process of transforming its strategies to become an institution focusing on offender rehabilitation. Within this process, education and training programs are tools used to activate the offender rehabilitation process. These initiatives are supported by social work as well as psychological and spiritual/religious counseling. The implementation of these strategies is found in the White Paper on Corrections and approved by the South African Government. Certain objectives against which the department should be measured are set out in the White Paper. It is believed that the guidelines in the White Paper will pave the way to reduce recidivism. However, the South African Criminal Justice System does not have a scientific mechanism to track offenders after their release from prison, nor to keep track of reoffending and resentencing. An additional obstacle in the implementation of offender rehabilitation plans is that South African prisons are severely overcrowded which creates a shortage in educational services, as well as educational staff, social workers, and psychologists. In order for rehabilitation to become a reality, rehabilitation programs offered to offenders should first, focus on the orientation of the offender to change his/her attitude towards becoming involved in skills and training programs. As long as the offender sees participation in these programs merely as a potential method to influence the parole board, rehabilitation will remain a myth. Tables, bibliography