Exciting Times in the New Life Project
Recently, PF Norway’s New Life Project received its second group of five participants. Through this programme, PF Norway seeks to create a culture of hope and motivation in helping prisoners change behaviour and prepare for re-entry into society. The prisoner’s motivation for change is the main criterion for acceptance into the programme. Others include security and group dynamics.
Participants are in the New Life Project for six to twelve months prior to release with one year of follow-up support. Programme phases include:
- The Orientation allows new participants to get to know the staff and other prisoners in the programme. They also build an understanding of the four main programme values: restoration, honesty, responsibility, and fellowship.
- ‘Mapping’ analyses participant needs and strengths: health, financial needs, work experience, education, housing, social networks, and dreams and aspirations. From this analysis, programme staff, the prisoner, and prison staff work together to develop a treatment and aftercare plan.
- ‘Personal growth’ uses group processes to address issues such as drug addiction, building and maintaining healthy and lasting relationships and other “how to change” programmes. The content is flexible to meet the specific needs of group members.
- The ‘Preparation’ phase looks toward the release of participants through creating concrete plans and strategies for reintegration. Consultants from the Social Security System and Employment consultants work with the participants in developing strategies.
- Aftercare services last for twelve months following release
and consist of mentoring, assistance with different government
agencies, provision of fellowship with other released participants, and
help in establishing new social networks.
PF Norway began the New Life Project in December 2006 in partnership
with various Christian organizations. To date, three people from the
first group have been released. According to Andreas Kvernflaten, these
men all have a place to live and jobs. They are also beginning to pay
down their debts. Andreas says, “It is very exciting and the prison
administration is very happy with the results.”
April 2008
