Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) has commenced the second batch of the Prison-based Drug Rehabilitation Programme in Maafushi Prison. The programme was officially launched by Minister of Home Affairs, Imran Abdulla.
The drug rehabilitation programme at prisons will help inmates with substance abuse issues considerably and marks a milestone in the efforts of MCS to rehabilitate and reform inmates in time for their return to society as good citizens upon the completion of their sentences. The second batch of the programme is participated by 44 inmates serving drug-related sentences.
The programme consists of 4 phases. The first phase is the 21-day detoxification phase and the second phase is the rehabilitation stage. The programme also includes providing psychosocial support to the participants under a specific schedule, life skills, vocational and skill training and religious awareness. In the third phase, risk assessments will be conducted to identify the risks associated with the release of participants prior to their release into the community. The fourth stage is the monitoring of individuals released into the community through the aftercare service or programme.
The first batch of the programme was conducted from February 27 to August 23. The batch started with 40 inmates of which 32 successfully completed the programme.