We must explain to you how all seds this mistakens idea off denouncing pleasures and praising pain was born and I will give you.
In 2015, PRISM conducted a 10 day reintegration program for convict prisoners on the eve of their release. It was designed to empower and prepare them for their reintroduction to society.
The program was immensely successful and during its execution the need for a similar program for those under trial was identified.
The segment of prisoners identified for this program was first-time petty offenders in the age group of 18 to 24 years. Research showed that if this segment of prisoners were given adequate guidance and training, they were unlikely to continue with a life of crime.
With the help of expert psychologists and trainers, PRISM designed a program to provide life skills, psychological intervention and coping strategies for young offenders under trial.
Personality, Attitude, Transformation, Therapeutic, Assistance, Management
In Tamil, it means ‘kite’. A special logo was designed showing a kite in flight, amidst dark clouds, guided by a string signifying the journey of inmates after release, with the tag line ‘Free to Soar’.
The program was launched as a pilot project at the Sub Jail in Saidapet as per the directions of the hon’ble High Court, Madras, on 1st August, 2018.
A review of the program conducted at the end of December 2019 revealed that out of 2059 inmates who underwent the program, the rate of recidivism (re-arrest) was only 2.8%.
This significant reduction prompted the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA) to launch this initiative as a project through the Tiruvallur District Legal Services Authority with the Prison department and PRISM.
The project was introduced in the Central Prison II at Puzhal under the name of PATTAM.
It has since been introduced at all 8 Central Prisons in Tamil Nadu and at the Government Observation Home for Boys at Chennai and Madurai.
To make the PATTAM program sustainable, 5 Convict Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) from each Central Prison were brought to the Central Prison II Puzhal, Chennai and on 14th March 2020 the first TOT program was inaugurated by Shri Sunil Kumar Singh, DGP&CS.
The TOT program equipped the convict PLV’s to conduct the PATTAM classes, assist in conducting the pre-release program and assist the Psychologists and Counsellors in the prisons in the discharge of their duties.
AUG 2018 – DEC 2019
OCT 2021 – DEC 2022
