Design, Development, and Implementation of a Positive Psychology Psycho-Education Curriculum with Remand Prisoners

This paper reports the design, development and implementation of an innovative psycho-educational curriculum currently being offered to remand prisoners in South Australia by the Department for Correctional Service (South Australia). The project is noteworthy given that few programs are available to remand prisoners, and the application of positive psychology concepts and methods in a prison setting. The initial stages of program delivery have confirmed that engaging remand prisoners in psycho-education increases individuals openness, motivation and readiness to engage in alternative ways of viewing life events that may increase individuals resilience and problem-solving abilities. This paper highlights that an engagement in psycho-educational curricula in the remand phase may increase the potential for individuals to engage in education and other rehabilitation programs should they subsequently receive a custodial sentence or community-based sanction. Salient questions arise as to whether people released without conviction may benefit from completing psycho-education and reduce further contact with the criminal justice system