The word rehabilitation is seldom mentioned in current prison jargon. While a few states hold onto the phrase, “Department of Rehabilitation” most have opted for “Department of Corrections” instead. This change is not coincidental. It reflects an attitude change, where the idea of rehabilitating criminals has been dismissed in favor of merely correcting them. Men and women are not merely machines that can be repaired by flicking a switch, or rerouting a wire; they require more than a systematic program of discipline and structure. Rehabilitation requires a focus not only on discipline and order, but in the criminal's case education and morality as well.
In its current state, the prison system only encourages inmates to strengthen the same anti-social behaviors and attitudes that lead them to criminal activity in the first place. This environment of pure survival leaves little room for self-reflection or practical and moral education. Upon release, many prisoners are unable to cope with freedom, since their prison education merely prepared them for survival by any means necessary, even if unlawful or immoral. Additionally, many prisoners experience greater injustice behind bars than they did in the outside world, creating a bitter, pessimistic man or woman.
Many individuals have written about the prison system's failure to rehabilitate inmates, yet their words fall on deaf ears year after year. Those who administer prisons seem opposed, and at times hostile to change – despite rising incarceration and recidivism rates. Because of this history, the PA DOC Monitor advocates a grassroots response to the prison problem. We believe the following must be accomplished, if not by prisons themselves, then individually through sincere volunteer work:
- The importance of discipline should not be undermined, however it must be coupled with a practical moral and educational regimen.
- This can be accomplished through the distribution of useful literature and one-to-one visits by PA DOC Monitor volunteers.
- Prisoners should be paired with exemplary volunteer pen pals, who can provide proper guidance, motivation, and advice.
- Before entering prison, most inmates were stripped of their dignity, and their dignity was stripped by a second, third, and fourth degree after incarceration. Through distribution of literature, visits, and pen pals, we hope to restore prisoners' dignity back to its God-given level.
- We emphasize the need for self-discipline and self-education in an environment that abhors and discourages both for its own sustenance. We encourage prisoners to spend their time wisely in pursuit of reasonable and useful goals.
- We seek proper legal counsel in cases where prisoners are subjected to severe injustice.
If you believe you can assist in any of the above please volunteer your time by contacting editor@pa-doc-monitor.org or by writing:
PA DOC Monitor
c/o Center for Civil Liberties and Justice
P.O. Box 9071
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
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