Arbeit macht frei: - Fredrick Töben

These prisoners are used to provide positive support and motivation to
new prisoners to the program.
Family Involvement
Family case conferencing is encouraged. Family contact is encouraged
with staff during and after the program. Many positive communications
have been received.
Family Visits take place every weekend on Saturday and Sunday from
1300 hrs to 1600 hrs within the Operation Challenge complex.
Families are all invited to the Graduation Ceremony Day.
Why does this program work?
It is the combination of the whole package that makes Operation
Challenge successful. If one component were left out, we would not
achieve the desired outcome. It is the combination of discipline and
learning which creates the atmospheric environment conducive for self
development, self-esteem and confidence. The regimented exercise
program, educational programs, vocational training, team-based
exercises and restorative justice projects are critical factors in the
program.
Operation Challenge prisoners are segregated from main stream
prisoners to prevent negative influences, prison politics and
contamination from the ‘university of crime’.
Prisoners find the beginning of the program tough, many wanting out,
but staff provide the motivation for them to carry on. As the prisoner
achieves intermediate personal goals they start to realise their own
potential and the benefits of their efforts and a change begins to take
place. They become proud of the results and want to achieve more. The
end result says it all, and is demonstrated when they receive certificates
for their achievements on Graduation Day.
Many a prisoner will comment “they are a new person with a new
outlook on life and a future for the first time”.
The Program
1. Identification of participants to the Program
Prisoners are initially identified by Prisoner Assessment Unit, Case
Managers in other prisons, Social Workers and Case Officers and
brought to the attention of Operation Challenge staff.
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