Resettlement and social rehabilitation: Are we supporting success?

Abstract

This article seeks to highlight the continuing debate over the resettlement and rehabilitation in a social environment, quick to judge, label and stigmatize but not always as quick to remove the label of ‘offender’, ‘prisoner’, ‘inmate’ or ‘criminal’. The article reminds us that ultimately the ‘individual’ has the right to return to the social community, their successful re-integration and rehabilitation is never just about counting cases, but is also about supporting self-worth, development and motivation to change, which may as easily be hampered by the social barriers which seek to protect the wider social whole.