Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #14 - What Else Works ... Volume 2 (ACJ14-A005)

Article 5: From “Closed” to “Open” Groups for Sexual Offenders in Singapore: Clinical and Operational Considerations and Preliminary Findings (ACJ14-A005)

Abstract

In 2019, the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) converted a sexual offender rehabilitation program from a closed group to an open group format after facing limitations with the former. In this paper, we describe the program, discuss clinical and operational considerations for the conversion, and shared our preliminary findings. We illustrate how an open group – when operationalized based on sound clinical and operational considerations – is preferred over a closed group for sexual offenders in Singapore’s prison context. We hope that this article can be useful for correctional agencies to consider ‘what else works’ when reviewing the format of their group-based rehabilitation programming.

Please log in to download the full article. Access is available exclusively to ICPA Full, Staff, and Professional Members.

Authors

Paul Zhihao Yong

Psychologist, Singapore Prison Service, Singapore

Paul is a psychologist with the Singapore Prison Service since 2015. His clinical work includes conducting risk assessments and working with young and adult offenders to address their risk of sexual violence in prisons and in the community. He also provided psychological intervention to adult male offenders at the Psychiatric Correctional Unit in his previous role. He holds a BSocSci (Hons) degree in Psychology from the National University of Singapore and is currently pursuing his Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree.

Arvina Manoo

Lead Psychologist, Singapore Prison Service, Singapore

Arvina is a Lead Psychologist with the Singapore Prison Service. Her clinical experience involves conducting risk assessments and providing group-based and individual interventions for offenders with violence, sexual violence and mental health needs. In her current role as Assistant Director of the Sexual Violence Unit, she oversees the assessment and rehabilitation processes for offenders convicted of sexual offences. This includes conceptualising and implementing department-wide frameworks for managing these offenders and providing consultation to stakeholders on sexual offending. Prior to her current role, she spent six years developing and implementing multiple psychology-based correctional programmes for the local offender population.

Boon Siang Kwek

Senior Assistant Director, Psychological Services Branch, Singapore Prison Service, Singapore

At the time of preparing this article, Boon Siang was the Senior Assistant Director of Psychological Services Branch in Singapore Prison Service. He led a team of psychologists to conduct forensic risk and needs assessment, rehabilitation, and management of violent and sexual offenders in prisons and the community. Currently, he is a Principal Psychologist with the Home Team Behavioural Sciences Centre in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore. Boon Siang is currently a PhD candidate with a research topic on the effects of correctional interviewing on treatment readiness and disclosure of sexual offenders.

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #14 - What Else Works ... Volume 2 (ACJ14-A005)

Related topics

You may also be interested in