I have worked with young offenders since I was 26.

I have worked with young offenders since I was 26.

I view them as people

I view them as humans

I view them as beautiful humans.

I have worked with young offenders since I was 26.

I know them as people

I know them as humans

I know them as beautiful humans.

I count it a privilege to know so many over many years.

I see them as beautiful imperfection

as I do with ALL my friends

As I see myself.

ALL beautiful.

ALL imperfection.

There are sections of society that view offenders and ex offenders as less than human and don't consider that there is anything worth trying to rehabilitate them into society.

Viewing offenders - without considering their own offending 

(omission as well as offences against humans and society?)

and their own imperfections because 'the other' has different imperfections.

Some are 'lock em up brigade'.

Those who consider locking people up helps and not clocking that these humans return to society AND 80% REOFFEND because they have not been given priority to turn their lives around.

There are some people who are such danger to people and the society at large, who need to be kept safe for themselves and others. Sadly we have to do that but

'a caterpillar looks nothing like a butterfly but one develops from the other' - which I believe - that quote gives me hope.

Direction.

Purpose.

Passion.

So we need to look for opportunities to assist them to develop whilst keeping society free from really damaged offenders who cannot be rehabilitated.

A trigger article is here from the Guardian::

And it is so for tens of thousands who leave prison each year, wandering to the nearest train station with their plastic bags unhelpfully emblazoned with the Prison Service logo........

Ex-prisoners are often left with the merest toehold in society, and this has serious consequences for both society and the individuals who will become the future victims of crime.

More HERE

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