PREPARING PRISONERS FOR RELEASE AND POST-RELEASE SUPPORT TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM

Abstract

Academic article on preparing prisoners for release and post-release support to reduce recidivism. It is a study and analysis of the situation, problems, and needs of prisoners who are about to be released or have just been released from prison. The objective is to determine strategic policies for reducing recidivism of prisoners by using approaches of empowerment, support, and follow-up. The research team used document research and expert interviews as methods. The research team found that there are various issues that need to be managed, such as the number and education of prison staff, laws that affect imprisonment that are not up to international standards, and prisoners' needs in terms of education, vocational training, psychological readiness, and social adjustment, but they do not receive adequate assistance. The research team therefore recommends the development of a strategic plan for preparing prisoners for release and post-release that covers various aspects, namely: enhancing the capabilities of prisoners, creating economic and social opportunities, raising legal standards to international levels, and improving the image, by integrating between relevant agencies to enable prisoners to receive continuous empowerment, support, and follow-up. The implementation will have economic impacts, such as reducing unemployment rate, increasing gross domestic product in the country, and reducing national budget for managing the country. Social impacts include raising human rights standards of Thailand, raising education and occupation levels, reducing crime problems, reducing the number of prisoners, and improving the quality of life for society.