PREPARING AND HELPING INMATES ADAPT TO SOCIETY UPON RELEASE


      One of the most daunting challenges facing correctional authorities is the task of preparing and helping inmates adapt to society upon release. Even with the most effective treatment and rehabilitation programs in place, there is no guarantee that a prisoner, once released from prison would be successfully reintegrated into the mainstream of society. Aside from the traditional social stigma attached to a person being an ex-convict once released, prison time would undoubtedly leave an emotional mark on each prisoner, a process termed as “prisonization”. This is defined as the impact on an inmate by a prison society and culture whose code, norms, dogma and myth all sustain a view that prison is a place of punishment, different from the outside world where he does not belong. It would also include an inmate code system requiring loyalty to other inmates and opposition to the prison staff who serve as representatives of a rejecting society beyond the walls of the prison, thereby resulting in his total rejection, casting away his dignity and self-worth in the process.

      The absorption of these folkways, mores, customs and general culture by an inmate during his stay inside the penitentiary is not only self-demeaning but also distinctively detrimental to any rehabilitation program instituted by prison and correctional authorities.

      All these notwithstanding, this concept and view of life in prison have slowly changed over the years. The image of a riotous, violent prison environment inhabited by the hard-core, lawless and incorrigible outcasts of society has been transformed into that of a peaceful inmate community housed in a modern, sensitive and professional correctional institution permeating a rehabilitative and reformative environment.

      The institutional challenge along this end has always been two-fold, that of effectively implementing rehabilitation programs for inmates as well as transforming the long-held notions and negative views of a highly critical society which traditionally frowns upon ex-convicts. This approach is imperative and most significant considering that a released prisoner will be re-integrated into this traditionally critical society. Helping an inmate to adapt to society once he is released calls for both inmate rehabilitation and societal transformation to ensure his successful assimilation.

      During incarceration, all rehabilitative programs relating to an inmate’s physical, psychological, moral, spiritual and educational well-being are continuously being addressed and monitored with the end view of preparing him for a productive life after prison. Even within the walls of the penal facility, a semblance of normal community life, save for the institutionalized rules and regulations are inherently established. Discipline, while necessary is tempered with understanding, and human dignity is only upheld but also restored.

      The continuing process of “de-prisonization” starts the moment the inmate enters the Reception and Diagnostic Center, where gang affiliation is not allowed and tattoos are obliterated. This process is a necessary prerequisite before any rehabilitative effort can be meaningfully undertaken later on. Behavior modification through the Therapeutic Community approach prepares the inmate for the other reformative programs designed to restore his self-worth and eventually prepare him for life outside prison. As such, the inmate is not only involved in skills enhancement, values formation or livelihood learning, but his personal attitudes, behavior and outlook are likewise modified. More importantly, the treatment process is highly individualized, ensuring that there will be a smooth transition from prison to community life when the time comes.

      The term “ex-convict” is likewise being slowly erased from the mindset of the person and the community in general, with the term “reformed individual” taking its place. Instead of an attached social stigma, there is hope and potential for each released inmate.

      Towards the end of his prison term and taking his overall conduct while in prison, an inmate may be classified and transferred to a minimum security, affording him an environment which resembles more and more like a normal community outside prison while awaiting his release, either on final discharge or on parole. Still, he continues to be involved in work and rehabilitation programs.

      All these tasks, the individual treatment processes, the changing of societal attitudes towards prisoners and continuing rehabilitation are all undertaken by the Bureau of Corrections to ensure that a prisoner is well-adapted to society once released. The community does not only welcome him, but he proves himself over time worthy to be accepted and reintegrated.