Exploring the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs through Inmates’ Experiences and Post-Release Outcomes at District Jail Sargodha

This paper examines the efficacy of the rehabilitation programs in the District Jail, Sargodha, through case studies of the life experiences and perceived experiences of the inmates. Qualitative phenomenological design was used in the research as it was guided by the aims of measuring behavioral, psychological, educational, and vocational effects. The purposive sampling was conducted to select 11 prisoners who had undergone at least one rehabilitation program. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The results indicate that attending rehabilitation programs led to better discipline, less aggression, better emotional control, high self-esteem, and resurgence of hope. Educational programs increased literacy and desire to further study, whereas vocational training enhanced the level of employability and belief in the legitimacy of earning an income. Nonetheless, issues of post-release stigma and low chances of employment were also generated. On the whole, the research finds that organized rehabilitation programs may contribute to the establishment of valuable personal change and increase reintegration preparedness in the Pakistani correctional setting.