Programme helps to rekindle inmates' relationships with family

After years of quarrels that resulted in a tense family relationship, the first time Andy (not his real name) felt he truly had a conversation with his parents was when he was in prison.

- Goh Yan Han

The 26-year-old inmate had three hours to talk freely with his family as part of Project Rekindle, a programme by Lutheran Community Care Services (LCCS) and the Singapore Prison Service (SPS).

It was at that session that Andy saw his father cry for the first time – a moment that is etched in his mind – as they discussed their relationship and how to better understand each other.

“I thought they didn’t really care about me and didn’t want to know anything about what I did,” said Andy, who is currently serving a 5½-year jail term for drug-related offences.

The session – called a “family circle” – is based on the concept of restorative practices, an approach to conflict resolution that involves all parties and aims at repairing and strengthening relationships.

Ahead of a group session, both sides will be prepared on some possible topics so that they will feel more comfortable sharing their experiences, said Mr Nigel Lee, a manager at LCCS overseeing the programme.

Mr Lee noted that many inmates who return to the community without family support are likely to go back to their old ways.