Mr. Williams,
I tried to send this on your Blog with not success. So, here is my response to your question.
I would say yes it is possible to change criminal behavior. The person who exhibits the criminal behavior must first want to change. In the beginning, they may not have the will, the confidence or the knowledge of how to do it, so they must have at least the need or simply put, the desire to change.
Next, they need to know someone believes in them and their ability to change. That someone along with others must help them understand the importance of a support system/network while changing. They then need to be made aware of what change feels like, what to look for and how it works. They must also be taught the skills and given the tools needed to operate in a system that has previously excluded them and/or type caste them. They must understand how to access the process. In other words, empowered/allowed to operate within the new system so they won't feel the need to return to the old one.
They must also be made aware of how integrity, dignity, honor, trust and giving back are linked to a successful non criminal lifestyle. They also need role models both people who turned their lives around like they are trying to do and people who they admire who beat the odds without becoming a criminal. They must be given an opportunity to demonstrate change without thinking that every mistake they make will be their last, while understanding they will be held accountable in a fair, honest and equitable way.
They must also be educated on how to appreciate their own success in small increments leading up to the end goal, so they can appreciate the little successes that lead to the bigger successes.
They must learn to tell themselves I am not a victim, I have been a willing participant not only in my own destruction but the destruction of friends, family and community. In other words own their own behavior.
Last of all, They need to believe in something greater than themselves. Something that will be there for them when all else and everyone fails. Something that will lead them through their personal secrets and darkness. They must believe in the power of the spirit and all that it entails for them.
In summary, the change must come from within and someone needs to plant the seed(s) or cultivate the seed(s) that are already there.
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3 comments:
I agree that the change must come from within and someone needs to plant the seed(s) or cultivate the seed(s) that are already there.
I'll check back.
I think that it is possible to change the mindset of many criminals. However, I do believe that there are some people in prisons right now who have little to no hope of ever being rehabilitated. Some of them are so hardened in their criminal ways that they would present an eminent threat to the public if they were released.
I, too, agree with the fact that change first has to come from within. I myself have experienced change in my life that had to come from within. I had to change my life from being a so called Christian, fence rider, to being a true Christian. Change will not be permanent unless a person truly wants it for themselves. Once that decision is made, support then needs to be found.
I really enjoyed your blog!!
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