The cycle of recidivism after being discharged from incarceration among transgressors tends to increase significantly. This essay will examine the key causes of this issue and propose several viable solutions to mitigate its effects.
The primary contributors to reoffending are the absence of reintegration schemes in penal establishments and negative psychological factors. Firstly, rehabilitation programs prioritise mainly punitive actions over providing essential skills and mindsets to reenter society. The transgressors hardly find a legitimate occupation after liberation, coupled with the lack of specialised skills and knowledge lead them to monetary difficulties. As a matter of fact, committing unethical activities is the only choice for them to withstand in these severe financial conditions. Secondly, unfavorable emotional influences such as self-consciousness, remorsefulness and antisocial behavior would worsen the mental health of the former prisoners. If they receive no support or guidance in corrective initiatives, several obstacles such as homelessness and fragmented family bonds would overwhelm and drain them. Ultimately, seeking criminal organisations gives them a sense of belonging and recognition.
To tackle these causes, placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation and setting up transitional services are fundamental steps. Firstly, more job skills programs and higher education should be organised or sponsored by both the government and non-governmental organisations. By providing enough preparation, knowledge and multiple career options, those former criminals would navigate economic struggle and social judgement. If the thieves, for instance, get stable incomes and are more confident in themselves, the chances for their recidivisms would be reduced considerably. Secondly, establishing counseling services with professional mentors would assist offenders to overcome their mental instability. For example, several sessions such as anger management, trauma recovery or peer mentoring would facilitate their reentry into society. The enthusiastic support from advisors would give perpetrators a sense of belonging and closeness. As a result, they would no longer try to repeat criminal behaviour or contact their illegal network anymore.
In conclusion, while there are several contributors to repeat criminal behaviour, adopting the aforementioned solutions can help to alleviate them.