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Courage to Create: The Role of Artistic and Spiritual Activities in Prisons

NCJ Number
231190
Journal
Howard Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 97-110
Author(s)
Rose Parkes; Charlotte Bilby
Date Published
May 2010
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article explores the effects of spiritual and artistic activities in prison rehabilitation programs.
Abstract
Artistic and spiritual activities should be considered as important elements in varied and diverse responses to offenders' needs: they value humanity and seek well-being. This article examines the role of interventions delivered to prisoners that do not fit within the categories of psychology, education or training (for example, pastimes such as visual and performance arts, meditation and yoga), and maps an alternative terrain to traditional concepts of rehabilitation and treatment. Whilst acknowledging the need to evidence effectiveness in order to satisfy policymakers, victims, and the wider public, the authors explore the constraints of quantifying the impact of these activities. References (Published Abstract)