Getting out smarter to face life’s challenges : an action research with young offenders in prison

Abstract

A ten week life skills programme regularly conducted these last few years is refined for the users’ benefit. The perception that young offenders are commonly perceived as having several deficits which need redressing if they are to desist from crime, is the underlying purpose why the need for this action was felt. Theoretical and practical principles are employed simultaneously until a renewed programme which reflects better the needs of the recipients is generated. The cycle of action and reflection is also ongoing in this participatory action research. The aim is for the young offenders participating in the programme as well as the practitioners involved, to enrich each other’s learning and teaching in progress. This action research therefore provides the space for learning for both the researcher and young offenders since both the learners and the practitioner are receiving significant information. A review of the literature involves the exploration of the historical development of prisons from punitive to restorative institutions as well as the benefits of education in prison. Essentially in the majority of European Countries the provision of education in prison is a legal requirement. The different phases of the action research give a general exposition of the process which leads to a renewed programme based on participating young offenders’ emergent needs. This is finally presented for implementation.