Social Impact Preliminary ReportRe-integration of juvenile ex-inmates into society .
CHILD RESEARCH AND RESOURCE CENTRE ( CRRECENT)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
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INTRODUCTION
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THE PATHWAY OF CHANGE
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VISION
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THE THREE YEAR GOAL
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-Objectives
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-Outcomes
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-Activities
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-Target groups
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-The method of documentation
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RESULTS AND GOAL ACHIEVEMENT
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OUTCOMES
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OBJECTIVES
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ANALYSIS OF RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENT
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1.0 SUMMARY The re-integration of juvenile ex-inmates from correctional centre is an initiative coming out of the philosophy that, every child, given the opportunity, can make it in life. CRRECENT together with Playing for Change set up a three year- goal for reintegrating ex-inmates into society in Ghana. Seven major activities, nine outcomes and 8 set-objectives were laid down to achieve this goal. For the scope of social impact in the first year, a total of 136 ( in-mates and exinmates) were impacted upon from the senior correctional centre alone; 35 parents/guardians and relatives of ex-inmates under the programme; 1,276 professionals that work with children, 460 professionals receiving project concept training, and 27 opinion leaders. Unique children supported and as well as affected by professionals total 3,011. We succeeded in assessing the needs of several yet to be- released- inmates and selecting six to enroll in the intensive after 窶田are and re-integration
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programme. We therefore exceeded the five by one extra boy. All six boys are successfully undergoing re-integration with occasional challenges but are stable in what they are being supported to do. Four of them are in school while two are under apprenticeship in auto-mechanics and electrical work. Even though this figure may appear low compared with numbers in other programmes, we must mention that our intervention is more qualitative (aimed at changing lives) than quantitative. A lot of time and energy is spent on one life at a time. However efforts are being made to balance this by really multiplying partners to increase the reach and impact of the project. Admittedly, measuring a changed life is not that easy as it is a process and not an event. However certain indicators such as stability in school( if enrolled in school), consistency in undergoing apprenticeship or some skill training, not reoffending, personality appearance are some of the pointers used to arrive at conclusions made on boys. In-center activities reached out to 120 juveniles and almost 55 staff members at the centre. Media coverage and interviews were done by both national and private TV stations with viewership of about 2/3 of the national population of 24million.
CRRECENT uses an approach that allows young people to be active participants in determining a new path for their future by identifying their potential and interests. CRRECENT support includes (psycho-social support), financial support, educational support, family support and shelter. We also address gaps in Juvenile Justice Institutions that undermine effective reform of juveniles. Impact has been made on Government Stakeholders,
Development Partners, Senior Correctional Centre, Parents and Guardians of boys and the boys themselves. The first year incubation period has been very successful with all planned activities, outcomes and objectives achieved to a very large extent. Apart from objective three (securing sufficient resources‌..) all other planned actions were carried through successfully. CRRECENT is now emerging as one organization in Ghana championing the cause of juvenile offenders and it is our desire and indeed aspiration to keep this lead position and draw others along till major breakthroughs are attained. The incubator activities have been very supportive as my capacity is being built in the convergence of business and social work. Take off sessions helped me to think more deeply about the kind of change envisaged and how to get there. It has enhanced my analysis and planning for change in other areas of CRRECENT work. Playmaker sessions, follow-ups, barrier –breaking sessions and even the
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social impact reporting all have inherent capacity building potentials that put playmakers ahead of others. It is now time to scale up, multiply, replicate and build upon foundation laid in order to consolidate the gains made so far. We are up-scaling the program for the re-integration and aftercare of ex-inmates to affect 400 Inmates from at least three centres in life changing programs and 80 juveniles participating in the re-integration programme. It is anticipated that 60% of 80 targeted juveniles will successfully reintegrate i.e. where successful re-integration means a) not re-offending, b) acceptance by family, c)Fully developed marketable income earning skills d) and supported to settle in life with start–up packs We are bringing on board both inmates and ex-inmates from Remand Homes, Junior Boys’/Girls’ Correctional Centres and Senior Correctional Centre. There will be interventions for inmates where a number of businesses can get involved as well. We are expanding to have partners who will replicate what CRRCENT is doing so there can be exponential growth in numbers of ex-inmates being re-integrated.
2.0 INTRODUCTION The re-integration of juvenile ex-inmates from correctional centres is an initiative coming out a personal philosophy that, every child, given the opportunity, can make it in life. Dysfunctional homes increasingly have become a leading cause for delinquency among children and youth in society. Providing an opportunity, direction and the necessary support to restore deviants into normal life is the major focus of the intervention. CRRECENT uses an approach that allows young people to be active participants in determining a new path for their future by identifying their potential and interests. CRRECENT support includes (psychosocial support), financial support, educational support, family support and shelter. We also address gaps in Juvenile Justice Institutions that undermine effective reform of juveniles. Susan Sabaa has worked for the past fifteen years with and for young people in Ghana. I was the national coordinator of Ghana NGO Coalition on the rights of the child for close to 10 years where I coordinated the activities of over 150 nongovernmental organizations nation-wide on diverse issues concerning children and youth. I came face to face with young people with the potential, intelligence and acumen to attain the highest ambition ever but never got the opportunity and support to develop these potentials. One such group is juvenile offenders who I perceive to be more of victims of socio-economic circumstances and not criminals in that sense of the word. Detailed studies I conducted revealed a gap in juvenile justice administration in the country at the level of re-integration and after-care which cause these young victims to re-offend again and again without 5
ever reforming. This gap has led to the recycling of juvenile offenders into adult criminals and waste in the human resource potential of the country. I am personally motivated by the fact that given the opportunity, every child can get somewhere in life. I have personally supported an individual who was going to end up nowhere but is now a university graduate with very bright future ahead of her. Child Research and Resource Center’s fundamental vision is to develop and give “social deviants” from the correctional centers the opportunity for an independent and dignified life, thereby transforming them into assets in society. The larger social implications for the initiative is far reaching as it goes beyond the individual juvenile and his immediate family to the bigger society . Support from Playing For Change has made it possible to provide intensive after The Juvenile Justice Report care services for these juveniles. What started as a small thought and desire has now attained its full dimension with the possibility of replicating itself into many “ CRRECENTS” using the knowledge and experience acquired so far. The potential of the re-integration & aftercare program to influence and reach out to many more ex-inmates, families, institutions, stakeholders is very clear. The up-scaling calls for a modification of the current model to a model that makes the intervention begin from the correctional centre through to post release outside the centre for after care and re-integration. This centre-based intervention will enable us reach out to many more boys within the centre.
( T wo of the boys registering for Senior High school placement)
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3.0 THE PATH WAY OF CHANGE
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The above figure shows the pathway of change designed jointly with Playing for Change for the first year of the three-year incubation period. The pathway of change defines our theory of change to realizing the ultimate goal of contributing to the re-integration of ex-inmates into society. The pathway of change combines logic and strategy with a focus on results. It is therefore a results-oriented approach to planning and implementation of the desired ultimate goal.The picture shows the logical connectivity of results from activities through to outcomes and objectives to the ultimate goal. The objectives are defined by the goal, the outcomes defined by the objectives while the activities are informed by the expected outcomes. For example the activity of contacting correctional centres is to produce three specific outcomes of (i)needs assessment done on selected ex-inmates, (ii)enrolling of selected ex-inmates in the rehabilitation and re-integration programme and (iii) the establishment of collaboration with the correctional centre. These outcomes feed into four major objectives, namely, (i)action plans in place on case by case basis, (ii)at least 5 ex-inmates reached, (iii)rehabilitation programme initiated and (iv)ex-inmates able to state the status of the roll out of the rehabilitation programme. This path defined for the first year is expected to contribute to the ultimate goal of re-integrating exinmates into society.
4.0 VISION The vision is premised on the fact that young people need protection and guidance within a caring and a supporting environment that offer them the chance to develop into independent, responsible adults. Young people get frustrated, confused and misguided when this is lacking and usually end up in conflict with the law. The idea behind the vision is to give juvenile offenders from correctional centers the opportunities and options they did not get and to redirect their lives towards an independent and dignified life, thereby transforming them into assets in society.
5.0 THE THREE YEAR GOAL The initiative aims at contributing to the successful re-integration of young ex-inmates into society.
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5.1 OBJECTIVES
Drafting a comprehensive and achievable business plan towards the reintegration of ex-inmates in society. Ensuring five media appearances or broadcasts of re-integration program Securing sufficient resources for specific rehabilitation requirement which includes educational needs and financial needs of ex-inmates. Putting in place action plans on case-by-case basis in relation to inmates yet to be released. Enrollment of at least five ex-inmates into re-integration program. Initiating rehabilitation program Ability of ex-inmates to state the status of the roll out of the rehabilitation program. Orienting staff on project concepts.
5.2 OUTCOMES
CRRECENT receives advice from advisors to help in drafting a business plan Media interest in the possible reform of juveniles. Commitment of development partners to re-integration program. Assessing the needs of target ex-inmates Expertise support sought Established collaboration with correctional centers; letters for collaboration, signing memorandum of understanding. Established collaboration with parents of ex-inmates and periodic monitoring and visitations to their homes Enrollment of ex-inmates in re-integration program. Staff participation in scheduled seminars, theme by theme to be abreast with developmental stages of the program.
5.3 ACTIVITIES
Working with advisors to draft a comprehensive and achievable reintegration programme. Public relation activities- media outreach programmes on re-integration project.
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Approaching potential development partners to support re-integration program Establishing contact with correctional centers for assessment of their needs. Establishing contact with experts to initiate re-integration or rehabilitation program Building relationship with parents of ex-inmates Tracing young persons to have assistance of welfare officer through the support of correctional centres Organizing scheduled seminars for staff of CRRECENT.
5.4 TARGET GROUPS
Juvenile offenders who have completed their sentencing in correctional centres(ex-inmates). Government Institutions (Department of Social Welfare, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Police Service. Development Partners (International and local Non- Governmental Organisations) Correctional Centers (Senior and Junior correctional centres and remand homes) Families of ex-inmates (Parents/guardians)
5.5 THE METHODS OF DOCUMENTATION
Documentation in general Documented profiles Photos Contacts Interviews Notes Reports News paper articles or video clips Attendance records
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6.0 RESULTS AND GOAL ACHIEVEMENT 6.1 The three year goal: Contribution to successful reintegration of ex-inmates in society. 6.1.1 Results:
Six ex-inmates from the main senior correctional centre in
Ghana are undergoing intensive after care and re-integration programme aimed at ensuring independent, dignified lives. This is progressively being achieved as all six boys are either enrolled in school or are undergoing apprenticeship. The young men are receiving support in the form of financing, psychosocial counseling, provision of basic needs, constant communication, provision of shelter, monitoring visits and promotion of re-bonding with parents and families. The young men are settled with families or guardians. Parents, guardians, teachers, and master craftsmen are attesting to the progressive resettling and re-integration of the ex-inmates. “ I do not know what would have happened to me if I had not received this help. I am now in school, one of the topmost senior high schools in the country. A dream come true.”(an ex-inmate). ‘Now I have settled. I have dropped all my old friends. I have not stolen again since I got released.’ (ex-inmate) All six parents/guardians have expressed evidence of gradual changes occurring in their boys. Individual functionaries at the correctional centre who are in touch with the boys give evidence from conversations they have had with the boys.
6.1.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results
Stakeholders, parents and ex-inmates discussion forum Observations by teachers, housemasters Observations by programme staff Observation by parents Interactions with representatives of Justice Institutions One on one interviews/counseling sessions with ex-inmates One on one interviews with parents and guardians Reactions and responses from the general public Written and verbal commitments from stakeholders Interviews granted by ex-inmates to the media One on one interviews with parents and teachers via telephone
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6.1.3 Analysis of the results Re-integrating to ensure dignified, independent fulfilled life can only be gradual and progressive. This is a qualitative approach seeking to establish behavior change in individuals who have had anti-social characters over a period of time. Noteworthy is the fact that none of the boys for the past year has re-offended. There are some behavior challenges as this change is bound to be gradual. But the boys would always go to CRRECENT when there is a problem and this is providing real security for their resettlement. Parents and guardians have also made CRRECENT a first point of call for help and this is facilitating the boys’ reintegration at an impressive rate.
6.2 OUTCOMES: Receiving advice from advisors 6.2.1 Results:
Advisors
provided consistent direction to the entrepreneur
towards the scalability, quality and sustainability of the re-integration programme. Advisors contributed their expertise and support to the drafting of the comprehensive and achievable business plan for the re-integration program. (refer to the business plan). Advisers had a series of meetings with the entrepreneur and prepared her for the ground-breaking meeting in Sweden. They read the periodic reports from the entrepreneur and responded with expert ideas which ultimately culminated in the business plan which informed the drafting of the 2nd year pathway of change.
6.2.3: Methodology applied for verifying the results 
Documented Business Plan
6.2.4 Analysis of results:
The success in this outcome was due to the interest,
passion and commitment of the advisers to the cause being promoted. They asked well informed and insightful questions that gradually brought out the key issues for growth direction for the programme. The advisers’ major interests were in quality of change in the boys and scalability of the results. The business plan captures these key concepts which have the potential to address sustainability concerns. Year two pathway of change was largely informed by the business plan.
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6.3 Media interested in possible reforms. 6.3.1 Results:
There has been a number of media appearances within the
period to explain the programme as well as talk in general terms on the subject matter of juvenile justice in Ghana. Some media sessions were facilitated by Playing For Change through VIASAT while others were the direct initiative of the entrepreneur and her organization. One TV station took a corporate interest in the programme after having participated in two major programmes. The station broadcast coverage extensively across the country. They then arranged a follow up for a 25 minute- interview during prime time in the morning (between 7am – 8am) on December, 2011. One national newspaper (Ghanaian Times) covered our in-centre programme with the in-mates and did a photo presentation in their paper. Newspaper reporter pursued us to the office for an in-depth interview which has led to an offer of a column in Ghanaian Times, the second leading daily paper in Ghana CRRECENT has printed T-shirts with Playing for Change and CRRECENT’s Logos embossed. The media captured these pictures which also serve as publicity for the programme. Specific brochures on the initiative were produced showing the objectives and goals to be achieved
6.3.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results
Video clips of the programme coverage Clips on interview granted by the entrepreneur as a follow up to earlier broadcasts
6.3.3 Analysis of results:
A number of media stations covered the programme
where the entrepreneur presented the findings of a study done on Juvenile Justice in Ghana. There was a wide coverage nationwide which made the issues on juvenile justice occupy the airwaves for almost three days. Special interviews were granted to two TV stations ( TV3 and TV Africa) and three radio stations in the country. This is expected to sensitise the public on juvenile justice and related child protection issues in the country. It is also meant to create a certain level of appreciation of the causes and effects of juvenile crime which are linked to dysfunctional homes, poor educational systems, socio-economic challenges and weak institutional systems. The interest shown by the media however need to be 13
sustained with regular write- ups and lobbying for more interviews on periodic basis.
6.4 Development partners commitment to reintegration or rehabilitation program. 6.4.1 Results: Solidarity and commitment messages have been received from Development Partners and Government Partners for the re-integration programme. These include Plan Ghana, Ghana Prisons and the Department of Social Welfare. These commitment messages were received during a stakeholder forum specifically organized to both review and share programme achievements at the end of the year, December 2011.
6.4.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results  
Documented solidarity and commitment messages from stakeholder institutions. Clips on the forum
6.4.3 Analysis of results: The commitment did not only show in the solidarity messages but also in their contributions during the discussion forum. Unicef contributed extensively and urged CRRECENT to link up with the Department of Social Welfare to be part of a programme support on Juvenile Justice yet to start in 2012. Plan Ghana indicated scholarship support for girls when the programe start enrolling girls. Ghana Prisons, Department of Social Welfare re-iterated their continuous interest in supporting the programme with expert ideas and probation officer services where necessary. Interest and commitment levels must be sustained through regular interaction and dissemination of quarterly reports on the programme. Further, we must aim at ultimately having some written memo of understanding in order to institutionalize the system in place to ensure a long term collaboration especially with the Government Institutions. That is yet to be attained. For the correctional centres, it will be necessary to strive for in-house policy on the rehabilitation programmes in place now to avoid waste of time when children are incarcerated.
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6.5 Assessment of Needs 6.5.1 Results:
All six ex-inmates enrolled in the programme underwent
needs assessment sessions to ascertain their level of preparedness to be reintegrated. They were assessed on their interests, career aspirations, their personal role models, their values and most importantly the kind of determination they have as they look forward to re-entering the world. An assessment tool was used.
6.5.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results
Assessment Questionnaires. Individual profiles compiled from the responses. Interview with boys
6.5.3 Analysis of results:
The assessment helped CRRECENT to develop a
coaching path for the boys. It also act as a baseline for the measurement of change towards where they aspire to be in the future. The assessment also gave the necessary information for effective counseling. It also threw light on areas that require more attention to ensure change in the boys. Even though some of the boys have changed their initial career path, the assessment still helped in shaping the other options they can pursue.
6.6.Seeking Expertise support 6.6.1 Results: CRRECENT put in place a three-member team of experts selected from the Department of Social Welfare and the Senior Correctional Centre. The experts gave information on the behaviors, the psyche of an ex-inmate, certain behavioral tendencies, their spiritual challenges and in-consistencies in attitude . While the expert from social welfare supported CRRECENT with social welfare services, the expert from the correctional centre facilitated the development of the assessment questionnaire and the selection of inmates for interview.
6.6.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results
Ex-inmates questionnaires
6.6. 3 Analysis of results: Expert advice was identified early as an essential step in running a successful re-integration programme for ex-inmates. Even though one expert could not join, the two were very effective in providing support. One 15
other expert is gone on peace keeping for two years and therefore a replacement has become very necessary from his outfit. This is being pursued. There is the need for more frequent expert interactions so that emerging challenges could be addressed expeditiously.
6.7 Establishing collaboration with correctional centres 6.7.1 Results: A close working collaboration has been established with Senior Correctional Centre such that ex-inmates are freely released to CRRECENT when parents or guardians are not present on the day of release. A number of programmes have been held with the centre’s full participation. Key among these is the end of year interaction and discussion with in-mates at the centre after which they were given food and drink packages. The pathway of change was discussed with the centre.
6.7.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results 
Interview with the Centre Counselor
6.7.3 Analysis of results::
Some inmates, while serving their sentences have
gained admission into senior high schools but do not have support. Our collaboration with the centre has deepened to the extent that we are being called to extend help to in-mates who are having difficulty with parental support in the payment of school fees. CRRECENT has already started in-centre activities as part of the scaling up process to reach out to more boys and actually begin supporting them while they are still at the centre serving their sentences. This is going to prepare most of the boys for effective re-integration even before they are released from the centre. The collaboration is going to take a higher level where CRRECENT intends to have periodic meetings with parents of inmates as a lead up to effective parental bonding. We have established a successful collaboration with both Ghana Prisons Service and The Senior Correctional Centre.
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6.8 Establish collaboration with parents of ex-inmates enrolled in the programme 6.8.1 Results:
Good collaboration has been established with the
parents/guardians of all the parents of the six boys. There is constant communication via the telephone with them about their wards. Monitoring visits were done with 4 parents in their homes. Two parents have been given one-off financial support to boost their businesses. Shelter has been secured for one homeless boy and is under supervision by an adult. All parents freely call CRRECENT for discussions on challenges and or just to express appreciation.
6.8.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results  
Contributions by parents during the forum One on one interview with parents
6.8.3 Analysis of results: Parental collaboration is necessary to ensure home friendly environment to facilitate the re-integration exercise. Parental attitude has changed significantly in two homes as they made efforts to contribute towards their wards upkeep. This was not being done before. Parents responded promptly to the end-of-year discussion forum which is also a good indicator of parent/child re-bonding. CRRECENT is building on this to actually invite parents of in-mates at the centre to periodic fora ahead of their release. This will address emotional insecurity the inmates suffer because of lack of parental visits. It will also scale up numbers of parents engaged in the programme. This will add to the scaling up process which is going to characterize the second year of incubation.
6.9 Staff participate in scheduled seminars: 6.9.1 Results: Staff of CRRECENT were met on three occasions to be briefed on the programme, its goals, objectives and outcomes. They have been exposed to the subject matter of juvenile justice in the country, causes and effect of juvenile crime, after care and re-integration. All staff ( six) are able to receive boys when they call at the office. One main staff member is in charge of record keeping and documentation. 17
All staff are mobilized for related activities and events such as the stakeholder and parents forum and the end of year in-centre programme with in-mates. The office administrator is in charge of basic logistics (payment of school fees, purchase of clothes, monies for transportation fares when boys visit office, planning monitoring visits, follow up calls to parents, teachers and guardians etc)
6.9.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results
Interview with CRRECENT staff
6.9.3 Analysis of results CRRECENT staff is becoming more and more knowledgeable in juvenile justice issues, a capacity building initiative for the organization. They share the vision and ideas of the entrepreneur to the point of being able to make suggestions and propose actions for improvement. They have been impacted upon as their attitude towards these “social deviants” is now more positive. The second year will require about two more staff to assist the one full time staff to make it three in order to accommodate the expansion.
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7.0 OBJECTIVES 7. 1 Business Plan. 7.1.1 Results: A business plan has been developed
that shows a strategy for
scaling up and increasing the social impact of the programme. The plan includes resource mobilization plans, sustainability measures and replication mechanisms backed by clear structural arrangements that put CRRECENT at the centre with several other partners taking charge of specific number of boys at a time. Training packages to ensure quality of delivery by partners and the extension of care services into both senior and junior correctional centers as well as remand homes.
7.1. 2 Methodology applied for verifying the results
Business plan in place for the up-scaling and sustainability of the project.
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7.1.3 Analysis of results: The business plan is ambitious but realistic. We intend creating about ten partners who will replicate what CRRECENT is doing and thus reach out to more boys and girls within a year. The implementation will rely on experience gained so far and build on the successes. (We are targeting to enroll not less than 60 boys and girls in the re-integration programme in the second year.
7.2 Five media appearances 7.2.1 Results:
We had more than five media appearances following the
dissemination of a study on Juvenile Justice in the country. Media houses present were the lead national broadcaster( GTV), TV3, TV AFRICA , Daily Graphic( the leading national newspaper in the country) and three radio stations( peace FM, Joy FM and Citi FM The entrepreneur granted interviews to all these media houses who then carried the message nation- wide. There were follow-ups with TV3 for a 25- minute interview at prime time in the morning. Two media houses (Ghanaian Times and TV3) followed through to the end of year in-centre activity with over 120 inmates and their staff at the Correctional Centre.
7.2.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results  
Video clips Newspaper cuttings.
7.2.3 Analysis of results:
It is difficult to estimate how many were impacted
upon through these media activities. However telephone calls from friends and others from remote corners of the country confirm the wide reach of the message on juvenile justice and the need for the public to support these young victims. We can conclude that media houses and the general public got sensitized to the subject matter.
7.3 Securing sufficient resources for specific rehabilitation requirement 19
7.3.1 Results: : Contacts have been made with 2
development partners in the
country as a follow up to commitments made during the interactive forum.
7.3.2 Methodology applied for verifying the results
Solidarity messages from development partners.
7.3.3. Analysis of results:
Not much has been achieved under this
objective. CRRECENT plans to look further into the corporate world (financial institutions, oil companies) private compamies for both financial and in-kind support.
7.4 Action plans on case-by-case basis 7.4.1 Results:
Following the needs assessment conducted on the boys
before their release, re-integration and after care packages were jointly designed for each of them. Four of them are now back in shool while two are undergoing apprenticeship in auto mechanics and electricals. The one studying auto-mechanics started off with native sandals manufacturing and later on showed preference for auto-mechanics where he is doing very well.
Methodology applied for verifying the results
Profile of all six boys. Academic records of boys/admission letters Interviews with teachers and master craftsmen Interview with parents
Analysis of results: CRRECENT applies flexibility and respect for fundamental rights of the child especially their right to be allowed to express their views. Boys therefore feel free to make choices and explore their potential. There is the need to add to the care and re-integration plans an exit point for each one of them, a point at which the programme ends with an individual. There will however be continuous contact with “graduates” of the programme especially for the purposes of using their success stories for advocacy and for role modeling to other juvenile offenders.
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7.5 Ex-inmates ability to state the status of the roll out of
the re-integration or rehabilitation program Results:
All six boys are able to articulate the benefits they have gained from
the programme. They express these during monitoring and counseling sessions away from the public. One boy however granted about ten minutes interview with Viasat on what he has gained from the programme. Viasat dubbed the voice for telecast. Two were able to express their current state and the positive changes experienced so far during the parents and stakeholder forum at the end of the year.
Methodology applied for verifying the results
Video coverage of the program One on one interview with boys One on one interview with parents and teachers Observation Blogs on statements and comments made by ex-inmates in relation to benefits they have received so far.
Analysis of results:
Some of the ex-inmates have been experiencing challenges
at home especially those living with guardians. They will always call on phone and or come personally to the offices of CRRECENT for counseling and other forms of support. There are challenges such as mistrust from relatives. It is very much fulfilling to know that these boys see CRRECENT offices as where they can always run to for help. This has really secured the boys and stabilized them for the gradual re-integration they are experiencing.
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8.0 ANALYSIS OF RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENT CRRECENT is a child and youth focused organization which aims at life changing interventions for its target groups. Our partnership with Playing For Change has given us a unique opportunity to address a major social challenge within the child protection arena in Ghana. 21
Juvenile Justice is a subject that rarely attracts any passion and attention compared with children in orphanages and homes or victims of trafficking for example. The project is gradually opening up this sector for public sympathy and support. What is unique about our intervention is that it follows the individual through to a logical point of a settled independent life. CRRECENT together with Playing for Change set up a three year- goal for reintegrating ex-inmates into society. Seven major activities, nine outcomes and 8 set-objectives were laid down to achieve this goal. The first year incubation period has been s been very successful with all planned activities, outcomes and objectives achieved to a very large extent. Apart from objective three (securing sufficient resources…..) all other planned actions were carried through successful. CRRECENT is now emerging as one organization in Ghana championing the cause of juvenile offenders and it is our desire and indeed aspiration to keep this lead position and draw others along till major breakthroughs are attained.The incubator activities have been very supportive as my capacity is being built in the convergence of business and social work. Take off sessions helped me to think more deeply about the kind of change and how to get there. It has enhanced my analysis and planning for change in other areas of CRRECENT work. Playmaker sessions, follow-ups, barrier –breaking sessions and even the social impact reporting all have inherent capacity building potentials that put playmakers ahead of others. It is now time to scale up, multiply, replicate and build upon and consolidate the gains made so far. We are upscaling the program for the re-integration and aftercare of ex-inmates. We are bringing on board both inmates and ex-inmates from Remand Homes, Junior Boys’/Girls’ Correctional Centres and Senior Correctional Centre. We are engaging in the support of in-mates as well as the promotion of parental rebonding. This up-scaling program will enable us to reach and cater for a larger number of inmates and ex-inmates. We must mention that our intervention is more qualitative (aimed at changing lives) than quantitative but efforts are being made to balance these by really multiplying partners to increase the reach and impact of the project
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RE-INTEGRATION OF EX-INMATES INTO SOCIETY Documentation from the Live Review _______________________________ The review meeting was held on the 8th of March, 2012 at the Conference Room of the Department of Social Welfare. There were 15 participants from the following organizations and departments:
Department of Social Welfare(2 officers) Senior Correctional Centre Girls Correctional and Remand Centres Plan Ghana International Needs, Ghana( NGO) Jil Foundation(NGO) Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Police Service Commission on human rights and Administrative Justice Unicef, Ghana( 2 officers) The Juvenile Court Ghana NGO Coalition on the Rights of the Child Probation Unit of the Department of Social Welfare(2)
Issues raised and inputs made into the report:
There should be a clear exit plan for each juvenile under the programme so that juveniles know when they are exiting Entreprenuer should liaise with an organization called CHACEM that has been doing research in adult prisons for more information Entreprenuer should support the Department of Social Welfare in some specific ways to facilitate sustainability Entreprenuer should discuss more options on rehabilitation packages with the correctional centers to facilitate their re-integration It is a good idea to have brought parents on board the re-inte gration process There should be an arrangement with Probation officers under the department of social welfare to help the scaling up phase. The scaling up phase is important to expand impact scope but how effective will the fund mobilization be to meet the expenses. You have to have sharp strategies to get funds.
A BRIEF ABOUT THE VALIDATOR Ms Victoria Natsu was the Head of girls’ correctional centre for 13 years. Within the 13 years and running concurrently, Ms Natsu was also in charge of girls and boys’ remand centres while at the same time managing the juvenile crime prevention unit under the Department of Social Welfare. Ms Victoria Natsu is currently the assistant director in charge of Juvenile Justice Administration under the Department of Social Welfare, Ghana. She therefore has the requisite background and experience to validate the Entreprenuer’s impact report on the “ Re-‐integration of ex-‐inmates into society”.
VALIDATOR’S COMMENTS A Ghanaian adage goes like this “Which of you did not steal, tell a lie or hit someone when you were a child?”... As children we have all created one problem or the other but given the right protection and guidance within a caring and a supporting environment one is able to develop into independent and responsible adult, and this is what CRRECENT hopes to achieve. CRRECENT in collaboration with Playing for Change has initiated a three year- program to re-integrate ex-inmates into society after rehabilitation from the correctional centers. Seven major activities, nine outcomes and eight set-objectives were planned to achieve this goal. Six ex inmates were taken on board and the process started a year ago. All the first year objectives have been met with an additional inmate adding up to six instead of five inmates as stated in the objectives. In her implementation matrix and detailed report, the entrepreneur was very clear in her objectives, activities and outcomes. Her methodology was very simple and to the point in terms of deliverables. All stakeholders who will make the implementation plan achieved were brought on board and maximum support obtained. The year two (2012) business plan was also studied and though very ambitious, the passion with which CRRECENT works and the availability of resources will see them through. Parents, school teachers and master craftsmen were all encouraged by the fact that the entrepreneur has brought hope to the lives of these children who at a point had a brush with the laws of the land, and there is no doubt that gradually the goal of total rehabilitation and reintegration of ex inmates back into society will be achieved with greater success given the needed support. METHODOLOGY FOR VALIDATION OF IMPACT (ACHIEVED SOCIAL OUTCOMES)
Individual parents, a housemaster class teachers and master craftsmen were interviewed on telephone, to validate the impact report of entrepreneur. I was able to talk to one of the boys who live with an uncle. I could not have access to the students in the boarding house because they are not allowed to use mobile phones. I will be visiting the next time around. I participated in the end of year Parents and Stakeholders meeting held at Erata hotel. At that meeting three of the boys spoke about life before the support-their earlier concern was what they will be doing after discharge from the correctional center, and how to fight stigmatization. To them it is very heartwarming that CRRECENT has enrolled them on the support program and therefore all these fears have been allayed. They were indeed grateful to CRRECENT for having such a positive impact on their lives. Their parents were equally pleased with the level of change, since none of the boys have so far reoffended.
Other stakeholders such as ARK Foundation, UNICEF, the Probation Unit, the correctional centers, teachers and other NGOs all gave statements of encouragement and promised to support the program with their expertise. RESULTS All six boys have had a substantial improvement in their general way of life in terms of behavior and attitudes at home and in school, according to responses received from my interview. According to a father; he has been overwhelmed by the level of positive change being exhibited by his son after enrolling in the Play for Change program. “My boy has exhibiting sincerity, hard work and maturity in his actions and conversations, and I am proud of him” This elated father promised continuous encouragement for his son. Class teachers and master craftsmen all gave positive reports about the general comportment of reformed inmates who have been apprenticed. Of significant importance is the fact that the reformation processes and therapies the boys went through at the correctional center, made a positive impact in the lives of these children, and Play for Change’s program is adding value to the foundation laid at the centre. It is anticipated that by the time the young people get to their exit points, they will have attained full life of dignity and balanced personality that will ensure their protection from re offending so they can become useful citizens to themselves and society A poor home environment nearly marred the regular attendance of classes of one boy; however a swift response from CRRECENT saved the situation. A follow up on this case showed that the entrepreneur had supported the guardian with some startup capital for trading so as to earn regular income to cater for the boy to forestall the recurrence of such a situation Teachers are very enthusiastic about the program and are going the extra mile to assist the boys in school and trade shop to succeed. Parents interviewed were very appreciative of the effort, passion and the dedication being put in by the entrepreneur to have these boys settled. RECOMMENDATIONS The program must find a friendlier way of referring to the boys (ex inmates is not child friendly and could continue the stigmatization subtly) Whilst doing a public relation and exposure of this laudable reform program, care must be taken not to unduly expose the children An award scheme for children who perform above average in school and in their trade shop could be an encouragement Parents who show commitment and provide support to their wards must also be recognized and awarded. A halfway shelter will become necessary along the line to address the challenge of juveniles not getting any reliable person to live with. This must however come with modalities that ensure no one remains there for good.
CONCLUSION: The Play for Change program and the entrepreneur’s business plan for the coming years will bring positive change in the lives of many more reformed children if enough funding and dedicated staff come on board as a team.
BUSINESS PLANRe-integration of juvenile offenders into society .
CHILD RESEARCH AND RESOURCE CENTRE (CRRECENT)
1.0 VISION The vision is premised on the fact that young people need protection and guidance within a caring and a supporting environment that offer them the chance to develop into independent, responsible adults. Young people get frustrated, confused and misguided when the kind of support they need to survive and develop is denied them. They end up in conflict with the law and other such challenges and eventually become a liability to society. CRRECENT uses an approach that allows young people to be active participants in determining a new path for their future by identifying their own potentials and interests. The child’s right to participation and other related rights that empower children are respected and promoted within CRRECENT work culture. CRRECENT’s vision is to give hope to such victims and provide support for a pro-social, normal life and thus reform them into assets in society.
2.0 THE BUSINESS IDEA OR MISSION STATEMENT (COMPULSORY) CRRECENT business mission is to provide opportunities and expand options for juvenile offenders coming out of correctional and remand centers towards reformed, pro-social life for independent adult life. This can be achieved through collaboration and partnership with juvenile justice institutions, parents of juveniles, funding bodies, the media, business experts and social workers. Old Model used in year 1
The above picture shows the model that was used in the first year for the re-integration of six ex-inmates from the only senior correctional centre in the country. As can be seen CRRECENT intervention was only at the point when juveniles had been released from the centre. We were therefore operating outside of the centre. That was a bit limiting in terms of numbers reintegrated as well as the niche that businesses can take advantage of.
New model for year 2
The model for year 2 builds on the successes of year one. In year two, CRRECENT now begins work right in the centre(s) with a series of activities and events. Exposure activities, social events, parental visit events, role model interactions and direct support for career and schooling for inmates who have passed the basic education and need support for second cycle programmes, are going to be run at the target centres. The in-centre activities create grand opportunities for business entities to support and brand themselves in diverse ways. Post centre activities, as can be seen in the picture, is going to involve about 10 partners, recruited and trained to replicate what CRRECENT is doing with six boys. The structure will still keep CRRECENT at the top to assure quality of service delivery. Partners including CRRECENT will manage a number of boys/girls at a time( between 4 and 6). This will raise numbers and scope of impact within the year. The total impact will cover inmates as well as those undergoing re-integration.
2.0 THE SOCIAL PROBLEM AND CHALLENGE THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION IS WORKING TO SOLVE. IDENTIFY THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF ROBLEM. Studies conducted by CRRECENT into Juvenile Justice Administration revealed a lot of gaps, one of which is the near absence of after care and re-integration into society after young ex-inmates are released from correctional centres. This gap has led to the recycling of juvenile offenders into adult criminals which constitute a waste in the human resource potential of the country. Every year not less than 1,000 young people (estimated) pass through the criminal justice system in the country. Some have their cases diverted while about 60 to 80% get to be on remand for a long time and or are actually sentenced into correctional centres. Study further revealed that about 90% of the juvenile offenders come from dysfunctional homes with very poor or no care support. The absence of well structured after care and re-integration services coupled with difficult home circumstances, juvenile ex-inmates have very little chance of reforming to lead pro-social lives. CRRRECENT intervenes at this point to support re-integration into normal life.
4.0 TARGET GROUP Direct(primary) target:
Ex-inmates from correctional centers (12-21 years) in Ghana In-mates in correctional centres and remand homes Indirect ( secondary) target groups: Parents and guardians of ex-inmates Institutions(Correctional Centers and Remand homes) The general public Partners: Department of Social Welfare Juvenile Justice Project( Pro-bono Lawyers) Corporate bodies The Media Counsellors
5.0 COMMUNICATION. (HOW WILL YOU REACH THE TARGET GROUP?) The primary target groups are reached through the correctional centers and the remand homes. Ex-inmates undergo structured needs assessment sessions to bring out their interests, potentials, aspirations, values and fears. The assessment session establishes the needed rapport between the juvenile and the entrepreneur for their after-care and re-integration services and support. Further, the assessment session informs the re-integration package and the exit plan for each individual juvenile in the programme. Care and re-integration programmes involve counseling, educational support, provision of basic needs, support for vocational/apprenticeship for vocation, monitoring visits, support for participation in camps and other social events. It also entails monitoring visits to their homes. For in-mates in the centre, periodic events that expose them to career options, self determination, self control, sources of help will be undertaken. Specific support packages will be directed at in-mates who have completed basic education to access second cycle education as a lead up to effective re-integration after release. In-centre activities will also engage parents and guardians attention. Visiting events will be promoted for parents to encourage re-bonding with their wards which also adds to emotional stability for smooth re-integration. In-centre activities of educational and social events will open up opportunities to business entities to contribute to the support of both the institution and the inmates. In-centre activities will also target policy issues that can effect change in the rehabilitation gaps in the centre to ensure effective re-integration after release. Secondary target group of parents of ex-inmates under the programme will be reached with counseling and one off financial support where necessary for the parents. The general public is connected to the programme through media discussions, interviews and coverage of events for in-mates. Partners( corporate bodies, the media, Department of Social Welfare, pro-bono lawyers, international and local development partners) will be involved by giving services, financial and in-kind support, coverage of issues and events.
6.0 BUSINESS MODEL (COMPULSORY) HOW WILL YOUR BUSINESS BE SUSTAINABLE AND FUNDED LONG TERM? The following are going to be pursued to ensure financial sustainability:
Mobilisation of partners who contribute towards the programme. These partners will be raised both locally and internationally. Graduates of the re-integration programme will be trained as ambassadors to advocate and raise support. Contribution from the graduates of re-integration from their incomes Investment in profit making venture to support the programme
7.0 DESCRIPTION OF METHOD OR WORKING MODEL.( METHODOLOGY FOR WORK) CRRECENT uses rights based approach to work which seeks to empower target groups to take charge of their lives in positive ways. Individual juveniles under the programme are given the resources( information, education, exposure, life options,) to take guided decisions to make them responsible personalities. The correctional/remand centres assist in the selection of yet-to be released inmates. These are assessed and cases for their after-care and re-integration put in place. After-care and re-integration packages are carried out immediately the juvenile is behind the gates of the correctional centre. Counseling is provided by specialists, close communication via telephone, financing basic needs( where necessary) among others The up-scaling phase of the programme will require partners to be recruited and trained to manage at least four to six juveniles at a time. These partners will work under CRRECENT but empowered to manage the juveniles. CRRECENT will still have direct access to the juveniles to assure quality and control in the re-integration process. These partners (about 10 of them for year 2012) will be having periodic meetings to share and compare notes and further build their capacity to manage the programme at their level. This implies additional counselors, more funds to support juveniles(schooling, vocational training, care) and their managers and their parental re-bonding initiatives. In-centre activities mainly focus on a series of empowerment and rehabilitation activities that will eventually facilitate effective re-integration. It will also ensure that many more juveniles are impacted upon while they serve their sentence and who may not necessarily be part of the re-integration programme. In view of challenges some ex-inmates face immediately after release, CRRECENT intends, in the second year, to have a halfway shelter for intensive initial coaching of released juveniles for a number of days before re-uniting with families.
8.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION CHILD RESEARCH AND RESOURCE CENTRE (CRRECENT) is a civil society institution that focuses on evidenced-based programmes to promote child and youth rights and development as a direct function of national development. The organization is registered as a private voluntary not-for profit company limited by guarantee with a vision to contributing to building a well integrated society that recognizes children in every sector and creates the necessary space and opportunity to respond to their developmental needs. CRRECENT seeks to achieve this vision through implementing programs in the following program areas: Research into Children and Youth Issues and their gender perspectives; Evidence-based Policy Advocacy; Child and Youth Education and Development; Juvenile Justice; Life Changing Programmes for children and youth; Early Childhood Development; Girl Child Empowerment for Leadership. CRRECENT targets children and youth, adults working with children and policy makers in its operations.
9.0
MARKET RESEARCH: WHAT DO YOU OFFER THAT NOBODY ELSE DOES?HOW DIFFERENT ARE YOU CRRECENT is unique in what it does for juvenile offenders in that it is the only organization in the country doing comprehensive after care and re-integration to its logical conclusion. Others including Government institutions provide transportation cost to juveniles and some tools for
work in some cases on the day of release. Much as this effort is appreciated, juveniles in most cases( reported) just sell off their tools and live off the money just to survive.
10.0 FURTHER DEVELOPMENT (COMPULSORY):NEXT STEPS 10.1 How will you develop your idea for sustainable impact on the society
One factor that supports sustainability is when effective processes get institutionalized through Government Institutions. CRRECENT intends to strengthen the Department of Social Welfare and the Correctional Centers to institutionalize the best processes to mainstream them into their day to day practices and scheme of work. The re-integration falls under the ambit of the Department of Social Welfare. If structures are strengthened and funded by Government, the impact of this programme can be sustained. This will require advocacy which is already an integral part of CRRECENT interventions.
10.2 Include a timeline for the upcoming year.(what will you be doing) Quarter 1 Contacting center authorities including girls centers to mutually agree on in-centre activities Establish a financial plan to march quarter activities Recruitment process for 10 partners who will manage the scale-up numbers Search for halfway shelter structure Re-integration of released in-mates from correctional centres including girls Media interactions Development of indicator report Quarter 2 Training for selected partners In-centre activities roll out Contact business entities to support in-centre programmes Resource mobilisation Re-integration released in-mates from correctional centres including girls continue Media interactions Development of indicator report Quarter 3 Begin advocacy activities In-centre activities roll out Contact business entities to support in-centre programmes Resource mobilisation Contact business entities to support in-centre programmes Re-integration of released in-mates from correctional centres including girls continue Media interactions Development of indicator report Quarter 4 In-centre activities roll out Re-integration activities of released in-mates from correctional centres including girls continue Media interactions Development of indicator report 10.3 Overall, what are the next steps to make further progress? The overall steps for progress in year two are: Contacting center authorities including girls centers to mutually agree on in-centre activities Establish a financial plan to march quarter activities
Contact business entities to support in-centre programmes and support Recruitment process for 10 partners who will manage the scale-up numbers Draw a re-integration plan with an exit point for each juvenile under the programme.. Carry out advocacy activities to influence in-centre policies Identify a structure for halfway shelter and mobilize sponsorship support for it.
10.4 What are the challenges ahead? The main foreseeable challenge is with financing. This is going to be addressed through a robust fund raising and resource mobilization initiatives. Another challenge concerns getting the right caliber of people to partner with for the up-scaling, who will be able to manage the young people in acceptable ways. It is expected that the training before they come on board will address some of these concerns.
10.5 What remains to be done and what is there to be learned from the experiences from the incubator year? What remains to be done is follow-up meetings with all the remand and correctional centres to take them through the new model. The idea will be to bring them on board as critical bodies for the success of the programme. A lot of learning points were noted during the first year. Some are: Parental commitment is very essential for re-integration. Efforts must be made to win the trust of the boys/girls The boys/girls have a lot of psychological challenges which must be addressed through counseling and show of love They carry a lot of hurt in them against parents who did not take care of them They need somebody they can always run to for help. That really secures them. They still carry with them some deviant tendencies which go with time and through counseling Correctional centres must step up their rehabilitation strategies. The inmates have too much idle time which does not help their development as young people. There is the need for stringent supervision since some of the inmates go to acquire worse behaviors.
10.06OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFRENCE The current business plan offers an opportunity to make a difference in the Ghanaian landscape for the support of juvenile offenders who up to now did not attract any sympathy from the public. As results are showcased, it is anticipated that there will be a shift in attitudes and the public will come to terms with the devastating consequences of ill- parenting. The introduction of partners who will undergo training also is going to expand the community of passionate people towards the protection of vulnerable young people
10.07 FINANCING The second year scaling up process is challenging financially as 10 partners will be introduced into the scheme of work and as the numbers of juveniles are also going up. CRRECENT intends to address this challenge as follows: Make extensive use of the success and impact made to mobilize support. Expand potential financial partner base to include non-traditional entities like the oil companies, supermarkets, estate developers among others.
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Search for in-kind support such as scholarship schemes for students, books and learning materials from renowned bookshops, basic food items for school from supermarkets Actual fund raising activities in the form of events organized in collaboration with media houses, and corporate bodies among others.