An investigation into the potential benefits of introducing guidance and counselling to corrective educational programmes

Abstract

An Investigation into the Potential Benefits of Introducing Guidance and Counselling to Corrective Educational Programmes. Many offenders long for the day when they might be accepted back into society. In fact, some work towards achieving a state of full social re-integration. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts to re-socialise, those once convicted of criminal offences often become entrapped by their own past histories. In reality, the materialisation of that great dream of liberation not only lies in the hands of offenders themselves. Society itself may be the ultimate provider of solutions to the problem of social re-integration for offenders. Regrettably, several offenders would argue that, while the prison doors may eventually open for them, the gateways to social inclusion remain closed. However, as this study illustrates, the transformation from “offender” to “ex-offender” is considered a complex process. To begin with, offenders must assume some measure of self-responsibility by participating in a process of self-initiated reform. Certainly, social reintegration and personal rehabilitation must be earned as opposed to being conferred as a gift. It is generally accepted that education constitutes a critical ingredient within this method of reform for offenders. In reality, education incorporates within its constructs, a degree of re-education for offenders. This “re-education” formula may include the shedding of old habits, attitudes, opinions, beliefs, practices and criminal associations. In return, educators seek to ingrain, within offenders, the necessaiy skills and personal qualities that would allow them to function normally in society. Consequently, the author considers the essential ingredients within any comprehensive guidance and counselling programme that would facilitate this process.