Restoring Offenders as Citizens and Caregivers

Abstract

Abstract Penal policy that supports getting tough on crime and giving offenders their just deserts minimizes the plight of children and other dependents as mere necessary collateral consequences of the overriding social benefit of punishment. This approach overlooks the lasting intergenerational social costs of incarceration for offenders who might otherwise be the focus of rehabilitation as caregivers and citizens. This chapter argues in favor of restorative justice approaches that aim to rehabilitate and reintegrate persons convicted of a crime into their communities whenever possible. Reintegration involves preparing a former offender to take on more productive roles and responsibilities in society. Carceral officials should allow inmates to provide emotionally and financially for their dependents during their sentence through visitation, flexible sentencing, and training leading to paid employment. Incarceration and parole should be rehabilitative, with the goal of helping all offenders to become better caregivers and citizens upon their release.