This is a systematic process of helping inmates change for the better while in custody. It is the implementation of a comprehensive treatment plan by first identifying the needs of these inmates via a Classification System. Once their characteristics have been ascertained, a Personal Route Map will be drawn up in order to provide customised and specialised treatment programmes.

Classification

Classification improves the allocation of resources to inmates through the systematic identification of rehabilitative and custodial needs of each inmate. This process has been certified to ISO 9001:2000 quality standard.

Personal Route Map (PRM)

The PRM is a co-ordinated and structured planning tool that covers the treatment of each inmate from entry into the prison system, throughout the various phases of incarceration, and into the aftercare phase.

Education

The Singapore Prison Service recognises the importance of education as a stepping stone towards the reintegration of offenders. As such, education has been a key rehabilitation programme to promote literacy and enhance inmates’ employability upon release.

In April 2004, the Literacy Education Accelerated Programme (LEAP) was implemented to level up inmates’ literacy level in the shortest time possible. LEAP also provides structured literacy courses and reading programmes for inmates with little or no literacy skills to equip them with the foundation for life-long learning.

Vocational Training

A wide array of training is provided to offenders in the Prisons and Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRCs) to equip them with the relevant job skills. SCORE has attained Approved Training Centre (ATC) status to conduct NITEC, ISC, NSRS courses and OJT programmes for offenders. Some of the courses conducted include NITEC in Electronics, ISC in Food Preparation, ISC in Electrical Wiring, ISC in Residential Air-conditioning and NSRS in Cleaning Skills, etc.

Core Skills Programme

The Core Skills Programme imparts relevant knowledge and skills to inmates to help them adapt to the prison environment and promote acceptable behaviour during their incarceration. It is delivered during the Deterrence Phase. It benefits the inmates’ reintegration into society, as the skills developed through the training will remain relevant upon release.

Specialised Treatment Programme

The Specialised Treatment Programme, delivered during the Treatment Phase benefits inmates both during their imprisonment and when they return to society. It focuses on providing inmates with the knowledge and skills in managing various aspects of their lives. The aim of the programme is for the inmate to develop objective and rational thinking, and self-regulation of pro-social behaviour. They will learn how to read social cues more appropriately, as well as the emotional states of others and themselves. The programme also aims to develop empathy, pro-social value systems and good problem-solving strategies. These are done through experiential learning such as games, role-plays, exercises, discussion groups and other activities.

Family-focused Programmes (FFP)

For rehabilitation to be effective, we need to take a multi-pronged approach. Family-focused rehabilitative programmes would help maximise inmates' reintegration potential, prevent intergeneration offending and ultimately, curb offending and re-offending.

The programme enhances bonding between offenders and families, provides some form of early intervention to prevent further dysfunction, helps the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, and helps offenders realise that the community cares for them and their families. Singapore Prison Service works closely with external agencies such as Family Service Centres and Voluntary Welfare Organisations to provide various types of FFPs.

Programme for Inmates’ Children

Programmes targeting inmates’ children aged below 12 years are available to provide them with emotional support. Other help such as tuition services and befriending is also offered. These programmes are conducted by volunteer agencies such as Salvation Army and Life Community Services.

Religious Programmes & Services

Volunteers and organisations have an important role to play in the provision of religious-based programmes and in assisting the inmate's integration back into society.

Spiritual guidance could facilitate in the inmate's rehabilitation. It provides the necessary emotional and mental encouragements for inmates to cope with life's experiences.

Spiritual support forms an important aspect of offenders' psychological well-being. It can give them the mental strength to maintain a positive outlook in life.

The religious services are provided by volunteers from the various religious organisations such as Prison Fellowship Singapore, Singapore Buddhist Federation, Roman Catholic Prison Ministry, SANA (Muslim), Sikh Welfare Council etc.

Work

Work is an important component in the rehabilitative process for offenders. The work programme imparts vocational and employability skills through on-the-job training. Work also inculcates positive work ethics in the inmates. Through immersing in a real work environment, inmates learn discipline and positive values. These will help them rejoin the workforce and reintegrate into society when they are released.

Family Education and Support against Drug Abuse

The programme is a collaboration between Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) and Singapore Prison Service. It targets the families of mainly first and second timer drug addicts, providing them with the guidance to help recovering addicts stay clear of the destructive path of drug abuse. Sessions for the families are held two months before the inmates’ release from the DRCs. The programme aims to educate the families in the following areas:

Community Reintegration Programme

The Community Reintegration Programme is a package that assists inmates in their transition to the community by reducing their risk of recidivism, and increasing their responsibility. It is delivered in the Pre-Release Phase covering issues relevant to employment as well as family and community reintegration.