Faith-based prison rehabilitation programs play a role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders through the use of religious teachings. INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS' PERCEPTIONS OF THE ROLE OF FAITH-BASED OFFENDER REHABILITATION PROGRAMS IN PIETERMARITZBURG, KWAZULU-NATAL. It is in the rehabilitative context that the study emphasizes the role of faith-based rehabilitation programs for offenders in redirecting convicted offenders' behavior and attitudes to socially acceptable modes.
In this process, alternative measures such as the implementation of faith-based organizations have been proposed (Hula et al., 2007).
Research aim and objectives
These unanswered questions about the role of faith-based correctional center rehabilitation programs lead to a large void that hinders meaningful debates and discourse about policy development and policy implementation (Wililson & Brazzell, 2011). In the United States, for example, there have been protracted debates about the nature and (in)effectiveness of faith-based programs and their differentiation from secular programs (eg initiatives or services by professional social workers, psychologists or psychiatrists) in the delivery of their offender rehabilitation services ( Ebaugh, Pipes, Chafetz & Daniels, 2003). The continued questioning of the nature and differentiation of faith-based programs from their secular variants has accelerated more research on the effectiveness of faith-based correctional center programs in particular (Dodson et al., 2011; Duwe & King, 2012; Johnson, 2004).
Definition of terms
Conclusion
LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction
- Historical background
- Description of faith-based Programmes
- The global description of faith-based correctional centre rehabilitation programmes
- The impact of faith-based correctional centre rehabilitation programmes
- Religious activities and faith-based rehabilitation programmes in South Africa The current study has not been adequately researched in the available South African literature
- Theoretical framework
- The social learning theory
- Recidivism theory
- The Person-Centred Theory
- Conclusion
However, other faith-based programs, such as the Inner Change Freedom (IFI), are anchored in biblical teachings that place importance on personal responsibility, the value of education and work, care for people and property, as well as new life in Christ. Stricklands & Collins, 2007). Some faith-based correctional facility programs hire chaplains to assist in the operation of the correctional facilities. In some faith-based correctional center programs, chaplains are hired to help with ministry.
Faith-based organizations usually include peer mentors as part of the intervention to rehabilitate offenders (Robbins and Parsons, 2010).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction
- Research design
- Location of the study
- Sampling
- Sampling Technique
- Sampling Criteria
- Data collection methods
- Literature and Document Review
- Data analysis
- Measures to ensure trustworthiness
- Validity
- Transferability/ Generalizability
- Reliability/ Consistency
- Ethical aspects concerning the researcher
- Ethical aspects concerning the participants
- CONCLUSION
The location or setting of the study refers to the actual place where the researcher physically collected the data. Sampling techniques or methods refer to the important data collection approaches used in selecting research participants (Ulin, Robinson, & Tolley, 2005). In addition, the researcher's expertise and exposure to the research site enhanced her informed judgment in determining the research site.
The participants were contacted by telephone and then sent a letter of consent (Appendix 1) describing the details of the study. Strydom and Delport (2003) mention that the idea of sample selection criteria is based on the range of qualities that the research participants possess (or do not possess) in respect of the. According to Braun and Clark (2006), during the data re-reading and disclosure processes, the researcher generated some ideas as directed by the quality (or lack thereof) of the data.
The quality and scientific integrity of the study was embodied in the researcher's writing and persuasive skills during the final writing phases of the research report (Brink et al., 2012). In this study, the researcher ensured the methodological reliability and adequacy of the study in terms of the research instrument's validity, transferability/generalizability and reliability. All the following ethical aspects were made known to the research participants before the study was undertaken.
The researcher is also obliged to inform the participants how the findings of the study will be used. Furthermore, no outside party was aware of any aspect of the participants' personal information and the nature of their involvement in the study.
RESULTS 4.1 Introduction
Data analysis: the basis of the findings
- Theme 1: The Nature and Content of Faith-Based Rehabilitation Programmes for Offenders
- Theme 2: Internal Stakeholders’ Subjective Experiences of Faith-Based Rehabilitation Programmes for Offenders
- Theme 3: The Perceived Role of Faith-Based Rehabilitation Programmes for Offenders
- Theme 4: The Perceived Impact of Faith-Based Rehabilitation Programmes for Offenders
From the researcher's perspective, the nature and content of faith-based rehabilitation programs was critical (ergo, sacred) because it provided a framework within which to assess both the quality and effectiveness of the same programs or services delivered by faith - based organizations and their professionally trained staff (facilitators or mentors). The crime that the perpetrator has already committed is not part of the rehabilitation process. The main question related to the above theme asked about participants' thoughts, perceptions, and understanding of faith-based rehabilitation programs for offenders.
This facilitates a non-judgmental approach to the crime centers despite the nature of the crime committed. What we [facilitators] found with quite a few of the offenders is that they need role models. And also the fact that not many of the criminals were children of single parents.
For example, both theme 4 (the impact) and theme 3 (the role) are related insofar as they address the outcomes of the rehabilitation programs. I think that many of the perpetrators feel that they have been completely rejected, that there is nothing they can do to be forgiven for what they have done. This act of seeking forgiveness is considered an important aspect in the rehabilitation process of the offender.
The spiritual worker in the maximum section will tell you about the change that has taken place. Nearly all research participants report that they have observed major changes in the offenders who participated in their programs.
Conclusion
The above extract alludes to the change in social behavior among offenders who participated in the program. However, by the end and completion of the program, offenders are seen to be more welcoming and loving to each other. This was related to the change that comes in accordance with a reliance and trust in God.
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS 5.1 Introduction
- What do Faith-Based Rehabilitative Programmes Entail?
- What are the Internal Stakeholders’ Subjective Experiences of Faith-Based Rehabilitation Programmes?
- What is the Perceived Role of Faith-Based Rehabilitation Programmes for Offenders?
- What is the Perceived Impact of Faith-Based Rehabilitation Programmes for Offenders?
Most participants referred to the nature and content of faith-based rehabilitation programs for offenders as instrumental in understanding the general characteristics or attributes of a properly constructed, functional, viable and measurable program for the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. This is also evident and stated by Duwe and King (2012), that the development of cognitive functioning was part of the activities offered by faith-based rehabilitation programs. Knowledge of the regulatory environment is a sine qua non for offender mentors and program facilitators.
One of the reported experiences was the different approach in which offenders were treated. Similar to the subjective perceptions and experiences of participants, the quality of programs is inseparable from the character (moral and ethical responsibility) of the people entrusted with the dissemination of the content (curriculum) of faith-based programs. The role of faith-based offender rehabilitation programs is widely supported, despite the obvious funding challenges experienced by various service providers.
There appears to be consensus on the positive role these programs have played in the behavioral, cognitive, moral and spiritual remodeling of the perpetrators. Many of the participants reported that a brotherhood alliance between perpetrators and facilitators, as well as between the perpetrators themselves, is often inevitable. After working together for a while, the perpetrators and the facilitators formed brotherly bonds, which also help improve the perpetrator's rehabilitation process.
As part of the spiritual development of criminals and their repentance, rehabilitation programs inculcate the virtue of forgiveness. Regarding the role of faith-based programs, participants seemed to conclude that rehabilitation and reintegration of the offender is important to reducing and preventing recidivism.
CONCLUDING REMARKS 6.1 Summary of findings
- Recommendations
- Possible study limitations
- Further study
- Conclusion
These recommendations indicate the value, relevance and contribution of research in the field of psychology and offender reintegration and rehabilitation programs. Because the findings and recommendations of the study are interdependent, the recommendations necessarily provide a framework for “remedial proposals in the context of the limitations of the study” (De Langen, 2016: 90). Despite such a possibility of the shortcomings identified, the overall impact and relevance of the study was not affected, especially in terms of the meaning and value that the study brings.
The study focused only on the role of religious rehabilitation programs for offenders, which may have biased the results of their program's effectiveness. Finally, participants were facilitators in the program and could only report on the perceived change in behavior of the offender who participated in the program. Only their knowledge, perceptions, and experiences regarding rehabilitation and reintegration programs in correctional centers were not a significant part of the scope of the current study.
While it is accepted that both secular and non-secular offender rehabilitation and reintegration programs are instrumental in behavioral change, curtailment of morality and adoption of an ethically acceptable value system is paramount to eliminating the criminal mindset. However, the effectiveness of these programs could be improved with the institutionalization of the educational field of their construction, development and implementation. In this regard, these programs should be regulated, financed, standardized and integrated as part of the formal education system.
Although several studies seem to dispute the effectiveness of the faith-based rehabilitation programs, their role and impact in changing the behavior of offenders cannot be underestimated. Former mentors' perceptions of the faith-based approach to reducing recidivism implemented by the Marinette-Menominee Prison Outreach, Inc.
Permission Letter to Faith-Based Organization
Informed Consent
Participation in this study is voluntary and participants may withdraw at any time. In case of refusal/withdrawal of participation, the participants will not be penalized. Your participation in this study is also confidential, the collected data will not be coded with names, numbers will be used instead of names.
All information and identifying data will be kept in a safe and secure location and will only be accessible by the research team and supervisor, Nondumiso Mphambo. I have been given an opportunity to answer questions about the study and have had answers to my satisfaction. I declare that my participation in this study is completely voluntary and that I can withdraw at any time.
Record my interview / focus group discussion YES / NO Record my interview / focus group discussion YES / NO Use of my photos for research purposes YES / NO.
Permission Letter to Child and Family Center Dear Prof. Wassenaar
Approval letter from Child and Family Center
Interview Schedule
