NCJ Number
235031
Journal
Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 11 Issue: 2-3 Dated: March - June 2011 Pages: 103-123
Date Published
April 2011
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the concepts of human dignity and human rights and how they can be used in offender rehabilitation programs.
Abstract
The concept of human rights is a moral (and legal) one that that is intended to safeguard provision of the social, economic, environmental, and psychological goods necessary for a dignified human life. Over the last 3 years, several papers on the implications of rights-based thinking for the assessment and treatment of offenders have appeared. In this paper, the author drew from this work in particular, the conceptual model developed by Ward and Birgden (2007) and examined its practice recommendations and implications. First, the author analyzed the concept of dignity and its role in human rights thinking. Then the Ward and Birgden model of human rights was outlined and ethically justified. Finally, the author discusses some of the major assessment and treatment consequences of this human rights approach. (Published Abstract)