Reintegration of Former Prisoners: A Key Step to Reduce Recidivism

Efforts are underway to improve employment prospects for ex-prisoners as part of efforts to prevent repeat offenses. Inside prisons, various training programs are offered to inmates.The prison population is noticeably younger today. According to Dev Jokhoo, the prison commissioner, and Josian Babet, the communications head of the penitentiary service, this trend is driven by multiple factors: academic failure, poor living conditions, widespread use of cheap synthetic drugs, and negative environmental influences.

Many young people grow up in neighborhoods where crime is common. Early exposure to drugs, often seen as harmless, can quickly lead to addiction, which then pushes them toward theft, assault, and domestic violence to fund their habits. This cycle often results in incarceration.

Family plays a central role in this cycle. Both officials emphasize that parents, as primary educators, should provide solid guidance.

However, in many homes, verbal and physical violence are normalized.

Babet noted, “Parents are struggling more to manage teenagers, and some give up on their role.”

The widespread use of smartphones widens the generation gap and hampers communication. Babet added, “It’s not about blaming parents; they also need support to face these challenges.”

Schools also face difficulties in offering hope to all students. “School failure isolates young people, leaving them on the streets without diplomas or prospects,” Babet explained.

This makes them more vulnerable to illegal activities. Without future plans, many fall into peer pressure and criminal networks that promise quick success.

Jokhoo and Babet agreed that troubled youth are easy targets for deviant groups and skilled recruiters who exploit their vulnerabilities with promises of rapid success, often glorified via social media.

When paths go wrong, prison is often seen as the default solution. However, short sentences—most for young offenders are under six months—are usually insufficient to break the cycle.

Babet lamented, “A short sentence doesn’t really reform them.”

He urged a shift in approach: “We must involve them in positive activities like volunteering and mentoring instead of just punishing them.”

The issue reflects deeper social problems such as marginalization, stigma, and exclusion.

Babet stressed the importance of prevention, social support, and reintegration, along with investment in education and social policies to break these criminal trajectories.

The penitentiary service has implemented several reintegration programs.

Jokhoo and Babet explained that rehabilitation is crucial for inmates to rejoin society.

They offer vocational training—such as pastry-making, metalwork, carpentry, sewing, farming, and gardening—with some recognized by the Ministry of Labour, as well as individual and group therapy sessions in partnership with NGOs. These initiatives aim to give inmates a fresh start.

Despite these efforts, the path remains difficult, especially for young people battling addiction or mental health issues.

Babet emphasized, “It’s about personal will, but also strong support.” They highlight the lack of qualified staff and the need for more NGO involvement to assist inmates in their reintegration.

The biggest challenge is helping prisoners after their release. Many face social rejection, isolation, unemployment, and lack follow-up care, increasing the risk of reoffending.

Babet stressed, “Employability for ex-prisoners must be a priority if we want to reduce recidivism.” He is calling on the government to establish a “Second Chance” program to encourage companies to hire these young people.

This calls for a fundamental rethink of the system to build a fairer, more humane society that truly focuses on reintegration and giving former prisoners a real second chance.

Source: Defi Media