JSC report: No help for ex-inmates

MANY inmates get out of jail in a poor state, ill-prepared to handle the basics of life, in a world which may have moved on while they were away, lamented a Report into the Challenges of Prisoner Re-entry into Society and Prisoner Reintegration Services in TT, recently laid in Parliament. This is the 14th Report of the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on Social Services and Public Administration, chaired by Paul Richards.

Some 2,467 prisoners are released on average each year, the report said, based on 2006-2010 figures.

"Without effective support systems for ex-offenders, there is a high chance for recidivism to occur," the report warned.

The stigma faced by ex-inmates and their overall inability to move on with their lives leads many to a state of despair and depression.

Often it all starts before they even leave prison. While inside, those with drug addiction problems or mental health issues do not get adequate professional help to overcome these challenges, as the provision of such assistance is woefully inadequate.

"The Mental Health Unit of the TT Prison Service (TTPrS) comprises two clinical psychologists and two forensic psychologists, one is a contracted service provider and one is an On the Job Trainee (OJT)," the report said.

"The TTPrS should increase the number of social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists assigned to the prison service."

The report says many inmates suffer from poor education, and more so often do not utilise the educational opportunities available to them in prison.

"With the exception of religious interventions and sporting activities, very few programmes consistently attracted more than a 20 per cent participation rate. The majority of programmes were attended by less than 10 per cent of the prison population across the prison system, with several experiencing less than a five per cent participation rate.

A 54 per cent cut in subvention to YTEPP programmes in prison had led to a "consistent decline" in participation, even as in 2020 programmes were now limited to welding, plumbing, wood-working and upholstery.

"Additionally, classes have also been reduced to cater for ten persons only."

The report said the very structure of prisons is a disincentive to learning, including conditions of poor hygiene, and should be improved as a matter of urgency.

Inmates often do not wish to be taught by prison officers, even as the report suggests instructors should instead be teachers, new university graduates or religious organisations, visiting from outside the prison. The report said some prison officers must change their mindset towards inmates to an attitude of restorative justice from one of punishment.

The entire prison system of several thousand men, women and youth spread across eight institutions, is served by just four psychologists.

The Prison Officers Association called for a drug rehabilitation centre or mental health unit in the prison system with qualified professionals, as prison officers are not trained to treat with prisoners with drug dependency and mental health issues.

"They identified the need for more resources to expand the provision of technical/vocational, sport and educational programmes for prisoners."

On a positive note, a pre-release guidance programme by the NGO Vision on Mission (VoM) has a high rate of attendance. However the report urged more staff support for inmates who have left prison, such as a follow-up programme by prison officers or a mentorship programme run by reformed ex-inmates to help new ex-inmates adjust to life outside.

Problems faced by ex-inmates range from trying to rebuild relationships with their families to trying to put in place the basic nuts and bolts requirements for daily existence. These latter include a roof over one's head, a paid employment, access to social assistance, personal identification documents, access to a police certificate of good character, and the ability to open a bank account.

The reluctance of many employers to hire ex-inmates is so dire that the report mulls the idea of passing legislation to outlaw any such discriminatory behaviour. A public sensitisation campaign over the travails of ex-inmates was also proposed in the report.

"Some ex-offenders who are determined to make positive changes in their lives take steps to attain various academic qualifications or to develop proficiency in technical skills. However, despite their efforts, they are still unable to shake the stigma of being branded as criminals.

"One ex-offender mentioned in his submission to the committee that he obtained a bachelor’s degree since leaving prison but is still unable to find work due to his criminal background. The sense of discouragement and isolation ex-offenders experience can sometimes lead to depression, (especially if) there is a definite feeling that no one cares or understands the desire to re-integrate."

The report mentions a proposal to expunge the records of offenders for certain crimes after a period of time so they won't face stigma in their job-seeking. The report was high in praise for the work of VoM, whose founder leader Wayne Chance died recently.

"The critical services that ex-prisoners require immediately upon release are housing, employment and the validation of identification documents.

"Female ex-prisoners in particular, desire services to help in the reunification process with their children and family members."

The report urged the Ministry of National Security to press for more funding from the Ministry of Finance for prisoner rehabilitation efforts to cut the rate of repeat offending which is now 51 per cent. "The capacity of the prison system to effectively rehabilitate inmates and therefore reduce the recidivism rate is closely connected with the State’s overall anti-crime initiatives."