NCJ Number
87369
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1983) Pages: 59-62
Date Published
1983
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In India, public participation in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders may include work with probation advisory councils, fund-raising, acting as liaison persons, providing community employment opportunities, reform efforts, public education, and working with inmates.
Abstract
Citizens can assist in probation and aftercare by working alongside criminal justice professionals on advisory councils responsible for the mobilization of rehabilitation efforts in a given district. An integrated rehabilitation plan for each offender should also specify ways in which members of the offender's family and various persons in the community can help in the rehabilitative effort. In addition to helping in the enlistment of other persons to assist in rehabilitation efforts, volunteers can also establish linkages between corrections administrations and institutions, offenders, official and unofficial agencies, and the district probation and aftercare advisory council, so as to promote the rehabilitation of offenders. The public can also help in encouraging and helping to implement the licensing of various community industries to employ offenders under vocational training programs. Open institutions were designed under the concept that inmates should have interaction with members of the community and various community services. Citizen participation in institutional programs is required for this concept to be implemented. Citizens can also be instrumental in educating the public about the criminal justice system, particularly the needs of offenders and how community services can help or obstruct the reintegration of offenders. Citizens can help as well in raising funds for rehabilitation programs and in soliciting support for various criminal justice reforms.