How Families Can Support Rehabilitation

Families play a crucial role in the rehabilitation journey of their loved ones. Consistent support, engagement, and attentiveness can significantly enhance the reintegration process. 

Tips for families to support their loved ones in their rehabilitation journey:

1. Maintain Regular Visits

• Regular visits provide emotional support, reinforce family bonds, and foster hope and a sense of belonging, despite the challenges of incarceration or rehabilitation.
• Encourage participation in educational and vocational training programmes to aid personal growth and future reintegration.
• Keep them updated on family milestones (e.g., birthdays, graduations, and other significant events) to prevent feelings of isolation and exclusion.

2. Engage in Rehabilitation Programmes and Activities

• The wards/inmates feel a sense of belonging and acceptance when their parents/guardians and family members in general, show support. 
• Attachment Theory (Bowlby, 1969) suggests that children who experience their caregivers as sensitive, responsive and available, develop confident expectations of relational security. They feel the world is a safe place and they are worthy of being loved and protected. Therefore, with increased family support this can reduce the likelihood of recidivism within juveniles and inmates.