Introduction
The way of dealing with offenders of law had long been tried by law enforcers to shift into a more effective way of reforming the ones who erred against the local rules of their own society. The reformed ways would be much more concerned in returning the law offenders to the right track that they should take to have a better life after sinning against the rules that bind humanity, than in simply punishing the people. This is because of the aim of the law enforcers to regain the supposed ‘people lost to crime’ to be with the society again. After all, the main idea why the law is implied is to make the society a much better place to live in, with people who are having the right attitude towards life and living. A VITAL key to real reform among prisoners centers on education and a change in values and outlook. Without a doubt, there are sincere individuals who are making efforts to educate and help prisoners. The fine and altruistic work of such people is indeed appreciated by many prisoners. Some people will argue that the prison system as a whole is beyond reform and that it is barely possible for prisoners to change in such an environment.
It could not be denied that the present situation of incarcerated population devastates the whole human society especially that there are at least 36% of the offenders who are held by law who belong to the young generation, adolescents to be specific. Hoping to change the ways of these young offenders have always been the focus of the government and law officials around the world. Young as they are, they are expected to have an easier way in taking in several restorative justice procedures. However, to be able to see through the deeper information of the discussion, a deeper thought on the roots of the situation would help the clarification of the primary elements that contribute to deeper understanding of the situation.
The Reasons behind the Dilemma
Police statistics and case stories around Asia show that more and more teenagers from respectable homes steal, vandalize, take drugs and turn to prostitution.” For example, in Japan half of all teenagers charged with a felony come from a middle-class background. The situation in Bangkok is similar. “In the past,” says Adisai Ahapanun, chief of Muhita Training School, “teenage crime was mostly motivated by lack of money. Today, more than 50 per cent of the teenagers here are from middle-income homes with no financial difficulties.” (Strawter, 1999, 12)
Some blame the situation on working mothers, rising divorce rates, and a materialistic outlook on life. Says Eddie Jacob, assistant director of a halfway house for teens in Singapore: “The bottom line is dysfunctional homes—where the parents may be divorced, or where you have single parents, or where both parents are working and the kids become neglected. Children pick up their values from home.” (Howell, 2006, 15)
