NCJ Number
55232
Date Published
1977
Length
98 pages
Annotation
THE PROBLEMS, REHABILITATION AND SOCIAL REINTEGRATION OF PRISONERS ARE DISCUSSED FROM A CHRISTIAN POINT OF VIEW.
Abstract
TO THE CHARITY ORGANIZATION OF THE GERMAN PROTESTANT CHURCH (DIAKONISCHES WERK DER EVANGELISCHEN KIRCHE IN DEUTSCHLAND), ASSISTANCE TO CONVICTS IS A CHRISTIAN DUTY WHICH HAS IMPRESSIVE CASES OF PRECEDENCE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. HENCE, THEIR GUIDE IS INTENDED FOR BOTH PRISONERS AND MEMBERS OF THE RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY. THE FIRST SECTION ON LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE CORRECTIONAL PROCESS DISCUSSES THE NEW CORRECTIONAL CODE (1976) AND STRESSES CONVICTS' RIGHTS TO THERAPY AND REHABILITATION. THE FOLLOWING SECTION INQUIRES INTO THE REASONS AND MOTIVES OF CRIMINAL ACTIONS, INSERTING A PLEA FOR UNDERSTANDING, WHILE INSISTING ON MAN'S FREEDOM OF MORAL CHOICE. THE CHAPTER ON PRESENT CORRECTIONAL PROCEDURE SKETCHES THE EVOLUTION OF THE CONCEPT OF REHABILITATION AND EMPHASIZES THAT CHRISTIAN PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE AN ACT OF GUIDANCE AND CARING. ACCORDINGLY, THE RECENT CHANGES IN CORRECTIONAL PROCEDURE AIMED AT OVERCOMING THE ISOLATION OF PRISONERS ARE WELCOMED. THE NEW SOCIOTHERAPEUTIC METHOD OF TREATMENT OFFERS PRISONERS A TRUE CHANCE TO REHABILITATION; POSSIBILITIES FOR MINISTERS TO HELP IN THIS PROCESS INCLUDE PRISON CHURCH SERVICES, COUNSELING, AND CARE FOR THE CONVICT'S FAMILY. TO HELP RELEASED PRISONERS MAKE A NEW BEGINNING, A SECTION ADVISES THEM ON ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FROM CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATIONS (E.G. HOMES AND COUNSELING CENTERS). COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE URGED TO SUPPORT EX-CONVICTS BY FURNISHING MUCH-NEEDED LODGING, ADVICE, AND PERSONAL ACCEPTANCE. THE FINAL CHAPTER OUTLINES A COMPREHENSIVE CHRISTIAN PROGRAM FOR OFFENDERS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER IMPRISONMENT. THE BROCHURE CONTAINS NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS (PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS, CHARTS). --IN GERMAN. (SAJ)