NCJ Number
196000
Date Published
2002
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This chapter reflects on some of the larger ideological and systemic problems that consistently obstruct attempts to reform prisons, particularly women's prisons; lessons are drawn from Canada's women-centered strategy for reform presented in the task force report, "Creating Choices."
Abstract
"Creating Choices" outlined a women-centered strategy for reform founded on the following five principles: empowerment; meaningful and responsible choices; respect and dignity; supportive environment; and shared responsibility. The report accepted that women prisoners are different from men prisoners, in that they are more high need than high risk, requiring a more supportive and empowering environment rather than the punitive or security-oriented environment typical of prisons. Although the recommendations of the report were fully endorsed by the Federal Government, the vision did not materialize as many involved in the process had hoped. Many fear that the new prisons are beginning to replicate the very problems they sought to resolve. It has become clear that even the best intentions at prison reform are diluted and blocked by the persistent institutional and societal need to make prisoners involuntary subjects in regimes whose legal authority is derived from the power to punish. Further, reform cannot occur unless the commitment to change is deeply embedded in the organizational structure that must implement change. This requires centralized administrative control that is accountable in the implementation of reform policies. Overall, fundamental shifts in how a society punishes offenders are difficult to achieve, particularly the fracturing of the prison/punishment nexus. 19 notes