Harsh truth brings real change

THE Academy Award-winning doccie

made an impact through its portrayal of a radical juvenile intervention programme in a prison.

heard about any teen having a psychological breakdown as a result of witnessing the harsh realities of life behind bars.

Are there any extraordinary cases?

For the most part, even the toughest teens who are defiant and boastful when entering the prison or jail, break down and listen and take in what’s being said. Some leave the institution and, starting that day, make a 180-degree change. Some change in a positive way over time. Some change, but slip back without community support. Some don’t change at all. But every programme can point to amazing success stories. And every inmate will tell you that even if just one kid out of a group who attends is changed in a positive way, then all their effort was worth it. As for extraordinary cases, almost all of them are extraordinary.

What are some of the kids doing since taking part in the show?

Many dropouts have returned to school. Some kids have stopped their criminal activities but continue to smoke pot believing that it is not harmful. Overall, I observe more positive changes than kids staying the same way.

Have the US inmate intervention programmes changed since?

Today’s intervention programmes are much more varied in approaches than the original Rahway programme. Many programmes still use fear and intimidation, but most programmes have some sort of counselling component which was not present 34 years ago. Also, many programmes involve the parents, which I believe is always beneficial. – A+E Networks and BSKYB

Crime & Investigation Network, Dstv Channel 255, Monday at 9pm.