Based on the data I collected in a local jail in Metro Manila, the recidivism rate (defined as going back to the same jail) is around 30%. Most of these released Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) go back to jail due to failure to attend hearings (they jumped bail and therefore rearrested), they were the "common suspects" of the police (and they would claim they are framed up), or simply, they commit another crime. What ever the reason for recidivism, the data is clear: around 80 percent of the recidivists come back to jail within 6 months of release.
Thus, the key issue is post-release monitoring and referral of services for the individuals we call Persons of Restored Liberties (PRLs). Based on the knowledge we gather from our Community Bail Bond Program (www.presocbb.org), three areas must be addressed upon release:
1. Housing and family acceptance
2. Livelihood and sustenance
3. Peer and community influences
In module 6 of our training: "Criminogenic Risk Assessments and its implication to jail rehabilitation and after care services", we discussed the theory and dynamics of offender reentry programs. Now equipped, our participants will come up with a program that will prepare PDLs for their release.
Mayumi Hando, a Masteral student in our Department and an officer from the Japanese Ministry of Justice also presented a program that is currently implemented in the juvenile facilities.
If you are interested in taking this training program and be a catalyst for change in the Philippine Correctional System, you can sign up here.
Photo Credit: Mr. John Paul Caelen
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