Corrections_Today_September_October_2021_Vol.83_No.5

nEWS&vIEWS

Correctional Chaplain Perspectives

A New Wind Blows in Prison By Hans Hallundbaek and Sharon Griest Ballen, MSW, LCSW N o sooner had the world begun to accept the reality of climate change than the Whether we like change or not, a persistent new wind is blowing. We are reminded of the old Chinese proverb, “Nothing is permanent

only 5% of the global population. Change is inevitable! These ongo- ing challenges bombarding us over the last few years have led to a new enlightenment and recognition of the need for societal change, includ- ing within the prison system. On a national scale, this recognition is intensifying efforts to address the issues of the death penalty, solitary confinement, parole reform, reentry training and much more. Adapt-A-Prison Slow, but steady, change can be seen in an increased understanding of correctional settings as well as with the public’s increased understanding the prevailing punitive stance on law offenders must be shifted towards a more restorative approach. This public interest in, and concern for, the human beings incarcerated in its midst reached a new level of community engage- ment in the fall of 2018 when the nonprofit organization, Interfaith Prison Partnership (IPP) introduced an innovative pilot program called Adopt-A-Prison (AAP) in two of the three female correctional facilities (Bedford Hills and Taconic) in New York State. A year later, in Westches- ter County, the local Town Board of the Town of Bedford unanimously

COVID-19 virus ravaged the global community. In rapid succession, we have seen changes in the geopolitical power structure, a growing move- ment for a radical shift in our social fabric and an infrastructure renewal. At the same time there is a demand to shore up our threatened democ- racy and a critical need to address issues of racial disparity, police reform and more.

except change.” As these truths play out in real time, we wonder whether such challenges will reach hurricane level before they subside, and a new calm emerges. Coinciding with these shifts is the untenable fact that America is the world’s leader in incarcerating its own citizens, holding 25% of the world’s incarcerated people, with

“… there will be a time for every activity and a time for every deed.” — Ecclesiastes 3:17

istock/sharply_done

8 — September/October 2021 Corrections Today