Probationers, Prisoners and Parolees

Using ProMICAD help young people at risk of disaffection or social exclusion
The ProMICAD System is now in regular use at several youth development centres for young offenders and children in care, prisons and young offender institutions. Caseworkers report how the positive nature of the personal profiles produced an immediate and marked improvement in self-esteem, and confidence. Young offenders showed renewed motivation and a more positive view of themselves in relation to training and future employment.

Reducing the cost of Rehabilitation
ProMICAD can help to reduce the cost of rehabilitating offenders by improving employment prospects. Employment advisors of New Bridge (a prisoners aid group) used the system to open positive dialogue with prison inmates preparing, them for rehabilitation and employment on release. The positive discussion between inmate and system administrator provides a morale boost unlikely to have been experienced at any time during stay in prison. One of their employment advisors writes. . .

" Since I began using ProMICAD during assessment interviews I have been able to obtain positive rapport with clients at a much earlier stage. Recognition and ownership of the positive qualities shown in their personal profiles occurs within a very short space of time. The effects can be quite dramatic as their body language changes and they begin to relax. For many, these profiles are the first positive statements they have ever seen written about themselves, and they are highly valued. Using ProMICAD promotes positive and constructive dialogue, even with the most negative and uncommunicative clients. ProMICAD has had a positive impact on the lives of several prisoners and raised the morale of many others. I believe this system should be made available to every prison and detention centre in the country."

Restoring self-esteem
Only an inmate can know what a prison sentence can do to one's self-esteem. One writes; "I saw the results of a reading given to an inmate and ...was particularly impressed at the way he responded to his printout and his eagerness to show others the 'real me'. The negativity generated in these places does give way to low self-esteem and as a consequence sometimes leads to self harm and even suicide. I believe your programme can help those so inclined."

We found that all prison and detention centre inmates who tried the system reacted positively to their experiences with ProMICAD. One youth, seeing his personal profile for the first time, said,"That's how my life could be." Another said, "It was good..... it showed me who I am". We have received similar reports from careworkers, probation officers and youth justice teams.

Personal profiles
Writing positive things about oneself is difficult even for the most confident. A person with a criminal record will find it almost impossible to write and persuade employers to respond. Through the user's interaction with the computer and the system administrator ProMICAD compiles a positive and self validated personal assessment. Inmates can take away printouts of these profiles. They are a source of great pride and usually so accurate that friends and family immediately recognise the person described. The profiles can be sent to employers with job applications.