Are you ready to amplify your academic presence and connect with a global network of researchers? Join the Scholar Indexing Society and elevate your research to new heights!
The Role of Pastoral Care in the Rehabilitation of Inmates: A Case Study of Kumasi Central Prison
Article Number: SIS450683AI280924
28th September, 2024
Author(s):
Isaac Bright Fosu Kusi, Prince Kwame Affum, Stephen Kwasi Kusi
Abstract:
This study examines the role of pastoral care in
rehabilitating inmates at Kumasi Central Prison, highlighting the
significance of spiritual and emotional support in correctional settings.
Utilizing a qualitative research design within the interpretivist paradigm, the
study explores how pastoral care services, predominantly delivered through
preaching, advice, and group interventions, contribute to inmates' mental health, moral reformation, and overall well-being. Data were collected
through in-depth interviews with inmates, pastoral caregivers, social welfare
officers, and the prison chaplain. The findings reveal that while pastoral care
services are widely available and valued by inmates, they are primarily
provided in a group format due to the prison's security constraints. This
group-based approach has proven effective in meeting the general spiritual and
psychological needs of inmates, yet there is a clear preference for more
personalized pastoral care services. The study underscores the involvement of
various religious denominations, emphasizing the role of religious and moral
guidance in reducing recidivism and facilitating successful reintegration into
society. However, the research also identifies challenges such as resource
limitations and the need for individualized care, suggesting that expanding
pastoral care services could further enhance their impact on inmate
rehabilitation. This study contributes to the broader understanding of pastoral
care in correctional facilities and offers insights for developing more
inclusive and effective rehabilitation programs within the Ghanaian prison
system.