Enabling Desistance through Culturally Nuanced Support: FITRAH’s Approach to Rehabilitating Malay/Muslim Offenders and Their Families, FITRAH (PID191)

2.30pm – 3pm EDT, 4 September 2024 ‐ 30 mins

Workshop Session

FITRAH, an office established by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, provides culturally-nuanced programmes and initiatives to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of Malay/Muslim (MM) inmates and their families throughout their incarceration period and beyond. This presentation will highlight how FITRAH works with the community to support MM inmates and their families to achieve long-term desistance, in line with ICPA 2024's theme of ‘Enabling Desistance: Beyond Recidivism’.

The presentation will showcase FITRAH's carefully designed programmes and services that incorporate Islamic values and teachings, as well as their collaboration with the Malay/Muslim Organisation Rehabilitation Network. It will also highlight the role of mosque volunteers in bridging ex-offenders to the community and promoting desistance through pro-social support and activities.

FITRAH's multi-dimensional approach, which includes engaging volunteers for both religious and non-religious programmes, and their collaboration with various organisations, has contributed to positive improvements in Malay recidivism rates.

Speakers

Mohamed Farik Omar

Executive Director, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)/ FITRAH office, Singapore

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Mohamed Farik Omar

Executive Director, Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)/ FITRAH office, Singapore

With over 25 years of experience as a Senior Prison Officer, Mohamed Farik Omar has demonstrated leadership in managing teams across various prison institutions. His last position was serving as the Assistant Commander (Programme) in Cluster A within the Changi Prison Complex under the Singapore Prison Service, focusing on prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration by implementing tailored educational, vocational, psychological, and faith-based programs, as well as character-building initiatives in collaboration with specialists and volunteers as strategic partners.

 

Currently, Mohamed is on detachment at the FITRAH office (Family and Inmates Throughcare Assistance Haven), a programme by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) that provides integrated support for inmates and their families, from in-care to aftercare. At FITRAH, he helps create a holistic support system extending beyond prison, ensuring inmates and families receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives.

 

Mohamed is a strong advocate for collaborative efforts in rehabilitation and reintegration. By fostering partnerships with faith-based organizations, specialists, and volunteers, and facilitating connections, he helps inmates and families access resources, guidance, and care. He is committed to building a stronger, more supportive community that empowers individuals to successfully reintegrate into society and lead fulfilling lives. His extensive experience in the prison system, combined with his dedication to improving lives, drives him to continuously seek innovative ways to enhance rehabilitation and reintegration programs.