Impact of Prison Climate on Sexual Offenders: Desistance and Rehabilitation

Abstract

Prison social climate has been defined as the enduring social, emotional, organisational and physical characteristics of a prison as perceived by inmates and staff. Within this chapter we argue that a positive prison climate can create the conditions necessary to facilitate personal and behaviour change specific to reduced reoffending. We present an integrated model of prison-based sex offender treatment that identifies how prison climate is important in mediating the relationship between rehabilitation and desistance. Specifically, we articulate how a positive prison climate mediates this relationship before, during, and after the actual program delivery and what can be done to create and maintain such a climate. We conclude with an example from Australia where new prisons have been built with structural and correctional management innovations designed specifically to facilitate the development and maintenance of a positive prison climate.