We argue that second chances are integral to the global community, playing a critical role in helping incarcerated individuals reform their behaviour and successfully reintegrate into society.
Second chances don’t only help with a smooth reentry but can also provide the opportunity to receive proper treatment for mental health disorders or assist individuals reaching potential through education (even if it is behind bars).
Second chances in the criminal justice system
In the criminal justice system, second chances are layered.
- The system needs to have mechanisms in place to offer offending individuals the chance to change their ways
- Incarcerated individuals need to give themselves a second chance
- Victims of crime offer forgiveness as a contribution to restorative justice
Second chances play an important part in restorative justice, where victims of crime release feelings of anger, resentment, and bitterness. It also helps to unblock the barriers of guilt.
Do these words echo true for you?
We argue that second chances are integral to the global community, playing a critical role in helping incarcerated individuals reform their behaviour and successfully reintegrate into society.
Second chances don’t only help with a smooth reentry but can also provide the opportunity to receive proper treatment for mental health disorders or assist individuals reaching potential through education (even if it is behind bars).
Seocond Chances in Restorative Justice
Research from Psychology Today reveals four powerful reasons to extend forgiveness to others and yourself.
- Forgiveness is important for subjective well-being as it offers emotional benefits, reducing anxiety, depression and major psychiatric disorders
- Personality isn’t set in stone, and second chances provide space for a person to change, grow, and learn from their mistakes
- Second chances are practical in conflict resolution and assist in preserving emotional energy
- Forgiveness is founded on the principle of treating others as you want to be treated
Point to ponder:
How have second chances played a positive role in your life? Now imagine the opportunity in a life-changing circumstance.