CSS 207: Prisons and Correction Services

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. explain the concepts, evolution and functions of prisons and correction services;
2. identify the philosophy, justifications and goals of prisons and correction service;.
3. discuss the evolution of punishment and correction agencies in Nigeria as well as the organisation and function of remand homes, approved schools, borstal training institutions and prisons; and
4. assess the effectiveness and limitations of prisons and correction services.

Course Contents

Evolution of prisons and correction services. Philosophy, justifications and goals of punishment and correction of offenders. Functions of prisons and correction agencies; classification of inmates. Interviewing techniques, record and case management; group

counselling and therapy. Effects of imprisonment  on offenders. Labour, education and vocational training in custodial centres. Evolution of punishment and correction agencies in Nigeria. Remand homes, approved schools, borstal training institutions and prisons evolution of prisons and correctional services in Nigeria; functions of the Nigerian Correction Service; including juvenile custody and corrections in Borstal, Approved and Remand Homes. Effectiveness and limitations of prisons and correction services. Features of custodial and non-custodial punishment and treatment of offenders; nature and features of probation and parole. Principles and practices in restorative justice in correction services.