Theory of Constraints Handbook - James Cox Iii [555]
—Speech by Mr. Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Senior Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs at Yellow Ribbon Job Fair on November 1, 2006 at Changi Prison.
Judging from the measurement criteria provided, we can conclude that this pilot study was a resounding success at the point of measurement and provided a solid foundation toward behavioral modification for inmates. Both the high job retention rate and the excellent feedback surveys indicate a strong buy-in for TOC, making it a worthwhile cause for further work in prison rehabilitation. Much of the coursework submitted by the inmates showed clear resolution to their long-term chronic conflicts and negative behavior, thus reinforcing the effectiveness of TOC as a reflective tool for inmates to analyze their past actions.
Longer term, using these same measurement criteria, it is impossible to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of the program in bringing about and maintaining the desired change; as change can only occur if ex-inmates continuously practice the skills and use the tools learned, which is impossible to follow up and measure post-release. On a purely subjective basis, however, we have seen enormous transformations in those ex-inmates who chose to stay in regular contact over the last two years and shared their testimonies.
Outside the parameters of this study, a better gauge of long-term success may be to measure the average time between reoffense or recidivism for multiple offenders. While the ambitious target may be to achieve 100 percent rehabilitation, it is neither a possible nor a realistic target due to overwhelming social pressure upon release. A simplistic and more pragmatic challenge given to the inmates during the course is to stop and ask the question “why” in the TOC context before any negative action is taken. Even if it just slows down the time between crimes by one day or one year, it is still an exceedingly worthwhile exercise by helping to restart the logical thinking process.
Follow-on Implementations
Subsequent to the success of the initial pilot project, further trainings have been completed for:
Other pre-release inmates
Young offenders (aged 14 to 21 years old)
Prison officers
Prison counselors and psychologists
After-care workers
Future Recommendations
Going forward, the following factors should be taken into consideration.
Delivery. Much of the inmate feedback centered on introducing the course earlier into the incarceration period, which would give more time to absorb and reflect on concepts taught. Due to funding restrictions, the pilot was performed during the final prerelease stage of incarceration, which coincided with a flux of other prerelease programs. Timing was very tight and did not allow for much learning reinforcement and those requiring additional coaching. Earlier introduction during the treatment phase spread over more training sessions would be more beneficial through more practice under supervision.
Follow-up courses. Lack of follow-up is a major problem after behavior training. While marked change was observed during the program, the tendency is to resort to default learned behavior without supervision. For example, in the case of a drug addict, there are many other new problems to deal with once they are sober. This requires readiness to face reality and to take responsibility for their actions. Follow-up programs available upon release would provide direction and support for ongoing family and work problems outside prison, and act as a valuable network for participants to meet regularly and discuss mutual problems similar to the Alcoholics Anonymous framework.
Family inclusion. After an inmate is released, the family plays a very important part in helping him stay away from crime. However, these familial bonds are stressed greatly when the inmate is incarcerated. Upon release, even though the intention is to help, the result is often misunderstood.