Prism Trust

Menu

DAWN

NALSA DAWN SCHEME 2025

AWARENESS OUTREACH PROGRAMMES ON DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE FOR PRISON INMATES

Addiction and crime are highly correlated. First-time offenders and under-trials have drug addiction which often leads to criminal behavior such as theft, violence and even homicide. Another social consequence of drug-related crimes is the impact on families. So, we have designed an end-to-end programme under Dawn Scheme 2025 by NALSA for Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority, named “Awareness Outreach Programme on the dangers of drug abuse for prison inmates” to be implemented in the Central Prison 2, Puzhal for undertrial prisoners up to 40 years of age. This programme is designed to reduce recidivism and prevent young people from turning to a life of crime on account of use of drugs.

The programme’s objectives are to create awareness about drug addiction and its effects among inmates’ and to motivate inmates to avail of the treatment and support group services to stay away from drugs. The programme has been structured as two sessions. Common awareness sessions are for undertrial inmates followed by screening, to identify those with substance abuse disorders. Focus group sessions for identified inmates on changing thoughts and behavior, craving management, and relapse strategies. Counseling sessions will be provided to the individual, willing to overcome addiction. Counseling sessions for family members to address addiction-related issues will be provided. Follow-up calls will be made to assess the sobriety status, motivation of inmates and to help them reintegrate into society.

“An awareness outreach programme on dangers of drug abuse for prison inmates” was inaugurated by Honorable Thiru.Justice.R. Subramanian on 20th July 2025 in the Central Prison II, Puzhal, by the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority, Department of Prisons and Correctional Services and PRISM trust. The Honorable Judges Thiru. Justice M. Dhandapani (Judge High Court), Justice Thiru.G.K. Ilanthiraiyan (Judge High Court), Justice Thiru. N. Senthil Kumar (Judge High Court) and Thiru. Justice P.N. Prakash (Rtd.) were the chief guests and gave their valuable insights through their address on drug peddling, addiction, and its ill effects to prison inmates.

Justice Thiru.R. Subramanian addressed the gathering and emphasized the drug peddling issues happening around the city. He explained to the gathering how addiction issues affect family dynamics, especially their children and society. He emphasized more about the drug peddling groups and how they target children to get them into addiction. He also explained the project and its benefits to prisoners during their detention and after their release. Nearly 500 inmates participated in and the message conveyed has been appreciated.

TARGET GROUP: All inmates and special intervention for remand/under trial inmates.

AGE: 18 to 40 years.

PROJECT DUARTION: 6 MONTHS

STAKE HOLDERS:

  1. Tamil Nadu State legal services authority
  2. District legal services authority
  3. Department of prisons and correctional services
  4. State career guidance centre
  5. Police department
  6. Prism