UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS

College of Criminal Justice Education

MODULE in CA3 (Therapeutic Community Modality)

Course: CA 3
Course Title: Therapeutic Modalities
Course Credits: 2 units
Contact Hours/week: 3 hours lecture/week
Prerequisite: Criminology 1/CA1

Course Description:

This course covers the different therapeutic modalities, treatment models,

treatment programs, and policy or program intervention for both in Institutional and
non-institutional corrections. The forging of partnerships, involvement and engagement
of Government Agencies, Religious Sector, Private Foundations, Institutions and Non-
Governmental Organizations focused on the Detainee’s/Inmate’s/Person Deprived
Liberty’s total welfare and well-being.

Course Outcomes: At the end of the trimester, the students are expected to have:
1. Explain, apply, and critique the rehabilitation and reformation programs of
the BJMP, Provincial Jails, BUCOR, and other similar facilities.
2. Explain, apply, and critique the re-integration programs of the PDLs of BJMP,
Provincial Jails, BUCOR, and other similar facilities to the community, and
the relevant community policies and laws on former PDLs.
3. Critique and design rehabilitation programs, reintegration programs, and
promotion of human rights programs among the PDLs across all institutions.
Module 4:

Treatment and Rehabilitation Programs of the Different Confinement Facilities

Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
 identify and explain the different rehabilitation programs of the PPA;
 enumerate the functions of the VPA; and
 recognize the role of the community in restorative justice.

Teaching-Learning Activity/Lesson Proper:

Topic 11. Rehabilitation Programs of the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA)

The PPA is a Department of Justice (DOJ) attached agency that provides a

less expensive alternative to imprisonment for offenders who are likely to respond to
individualized community-based treatment programs. The agency is in charge of
reforming, treating, or rehabilitating offenders released into the community on parole,
conditional pardon, and probation.

Rehabilitation Program
It is an individualized community-based three pronged approach to crime
prevention and treatment of offender with restorative justice as its philosophical
foundation, therapeutic community as the treatment modality, and volunteers as
lead community resources.

1. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AS A REHABILITATION PROGRAM OF THE PPA

What is restorative justice?

Restorative Justice is a process in which remorseful offenders accept
responsibility for their actions, particularly those against their victims and the
community. It creates an obligation to make things right through proactive victim
involvement, ownership of the offender of the crime, and community involvement in
the search for solutions that promote repair, reconciliation, and reassurance. Thus, the
victim, the offender, and/or any individual or community member affected by the
crime actively participate in the restorative justice process to resolve conflicts
resulting from the criminal offense, often with the assistance of a fair and impartial
third party. Examples of restorative process include mediation, conferencing,
sentencing/support circle and the like. The restorative outcome is the agreement that
results from the restorative justice process. Restitution, community service, and any
other program or response designed to achieve victim reparation and reintegration
of victims and/or offenders are examples of restorative outcomes.

How was restorative justice adopted in the Philippines?

The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, of which the
Philippines is a member-country, through a draft resolution, recommended to the
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organization (UNO), the adoption
of the “Basic Principles on the Use of Restorative Justice Programmes in Criminal
Matters”. The said document is a formulation of UN Standard in the field of mediation
and restorative justice. The Philippines, being a signatory member-country should
ensure adoption of this resolution.
Consequently, the goal of the government is to establish a more enlightened
and humane correctional system that will promote the reformation of offenders and
thereby reduce the incidence of recidivism. This is in line with the applicable laws,
rules, and policies mandating this Agency to administer the Parole and Probation
System in the country. As such, the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) is
empowered to create innovative policies, programs, and activities to facilitate the
reintegration of its clientele into the mainstream of society and consequently prevent
the commission of crime. Therefore, PPA adopts Restorative Justice as one of its
rehabilitation programs which utilizes restorative processes and aims to achieve
restorative outcomes.

What are the effects of restorative justice as a rehabilitation program of PPA?

1. Reintegration of the offenders to the social mainstream and encouraging
them to assume active responsibility for the injuries inflicted to the victims;
2. Proactive involvement of the community to support and assist in the
rehabilitation of victims and offenders;
3. Attention to the needs of the victims, survivors and other persons affected by
the crime as participating stakeholders in the criminal justice system, rather
than mere objects or passive recipients of services of intervention that may be
unwanted, inappropriate or ineffective;
4. Healing the effects of the crime or wrongdoing suffered by the respective
stakeholders; and
5. Prevention of further commission of crime and delinquency.

How is restorative justice implemented in PPA?

A. During the Investigation Stage

Information such as victims’ version of the offense, effect of victimization to
their lives, families, future, and plans, and victims’ appreciation on how the
damage/harm inflicted by the crime can be repaired and healed are gathered to
serve as input in the post-sentence investigation (PSI) or pre-parole/executive
clemency investigation (PPI) reports prepared by the investigating officer to be
submitted to the Court and the Board of Pardons and Parole, respectively. These
data are vital in the conduct of restorative justice processes during the supervision
phase.
Soliciting stakeholders’ interest for their introduction to the restorative process
commences during this stage.

B. During the Supervision Stage

Restorative Justice Program is a part of the rehabilitation of the client which is
incorporated in the client’s Supervision Treatment Plan (STP). In applying the various
restorative justice processes for the client’s rehabilitation, the supervising officer
observes the following points:
The parties are brought within the program out of their own volition. Parties
have the right to seek legal advice before and after the restorative justice process;
Before agreeing to participate in the restorative justice process, the parties are
fully informed of their rights, the nature of the process, and the possible
consequences of their decision;
Neither the victim nor the offender is induced by unfair means to participate in
restorative justice processes or outcomes;
Discussion in restorative justice processes should be highly confidential and
should not be disclosed subsequently, except with the consent of the parties, and
should not be used against the parties involved;
Where no agreement can be made between the parties, the case is
withdrawn from the restorative justice process; and
In the event agreement is reached by parties, it is put in writing to give
substance/essence to the agreement. The failure to implement any provision of the
agreement made in the course of the restorative justice process is a basis for the
withdrawal of the case from the program.

Roles of the probation and parole officers in the implementation of restorative justice
A Probation and Parole Officer assigned to handle investigation and
supervision caseloads acts as restorative justice planner. As such, he/she undertakes
the following responsibilities:

1. Identifies and recommends to the Chief Probation and Parole Officer (CPPO)
potential case for Peacemaking Encounter;
2. Conducts dialogue to explore the possibility of restorative justice process;
3. Coordinates/collaborates with responsible members and leaders of
community for their participation in the conference;
4. Serves as facilitator-strength in the conference;
5. Assists in healing process of stakeholders based on the Supervision Treatment
Plan; and
6. Prepares casenotes reflective of restorative justice values and utilizing the
following points:
7. Impact of crime and effect of victimization
8. Victim inputs and involvement opportunities
9. Offender opportunity to take direct responsibility for the harm inflicted on the
victim and/or the community.

A CPPO engages in the following responsibilities:

1. Approves cases for Peace Encounter Conference and issues office orders;
and
2. Implements and monitors plans and agreements achieved during the
conference and sets direction to realize success of the process.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE MODELS THAT CAN BE APPLIED IN PPA

Peacemaking Encounter
Peacemaking Encounter is a community-based gathering that brings the
victim, the victimized community, and the offender together. It supports the healing
process of the victims by providing a safe and controlled setting for them to meet
and speak with the offender on a confidential and strictly voluntary basis. It also
allows the offender to learn about the impact of the crime to the victim and his/her
family, and to take direct responsibility for his/her behavior. Likewise, it provides a
chance for the victim and the offender to forge a mutually acceptable plan that
addresses the harm caused by the crime.
As a community-based decision model, the Agency Peacemaking Encounter
is being implemented through the following processes:

1. Victim/Offender Mediation – a process that provides an interested victim an

opportunity to meet face-to-face his/her offender in a secured and structured
setting or atmosphere, with the help of a trained mediator, and engage in a
discussion of the past offense and its impact to his/her life. Its goal is to support
the healing process of the victim and allow the offender to learn the impact of
his/her offense on the victim’s physical, emotional and financial existence, and
take direct responsibility for his/her behavior by mutually developing a
Restorative Justice plan that addresses the harm caused by the said offense.

2. Conferencing – a process which involves community of people most affected

by the crime – the victim and the offender and their families, the affected
community members and trained facilitators and community strength – in a
restorative discussion of issues and problems arising from an offense or
coincidence which affects community relationship and tranquility. Facilitated
by a trained facilitator, the above parties are gathered at their own volition to
discuss how they and others have been harmed by the offense or conflict, and
how that harm may be repaired and broken relationship may be restored.

3. Circle of Support – a community directed process organized by the field office

and participated in by the clients, the Volunteer Probation Aides (VPAs) and
selected members of the community in the discussion of the offense and its
impact. Within the circle, people freely speak from the heart in a shared
search for understanding the incident, and together identify the steps
necessary to assist in the reconciliation and healing of all affected parties and
prevent future crime or conflict.

In the Agency, the circle of support is facilitated by trained Probation

and Parole Officers, Volunteer Probation Aides or selected community leaders
who offered their services free of charge to serve as facilitator or keeper.
In implementing this process, the probation and parole officer should be
the facilitator who is sensitive to the needs of the victim. Likewise, the
probation and parole officer should exert effort to protect the safety and
interest of the victim.

What are the outcomes or interventions which can be agreed upon during the
restorative justice process?
As a result of the restorative justice process, the following outcomes or
interventions may be agreed upon by parties in a Restorative Justice discussion, such
as, but not limited to:

A. Restitution
Restitution is a process upon which the offender accepts accountability for the
financial and/or non-financial losses he/she may have caused to the victim.
Restitution is a “core” victim’s right which is very crucial in assisting the redirection of
the victim’s life. Part of the conditions of probation as imposed by the Court is the
payment of civil liability to indemnify the victim of the offender, and to inculcate to
the offender a sense of responsibility and obligation towards the community.
Consequently, the probation and parole officer should see to it that the
offender complies with this condition.

B. Community Work Service

Community Work Service, whether imposed as a condition of offender’s
conditional liberty or integral part of his treatment plan, should be purposely
motivated to make the offender realize that he/she incurred an obligation to make
things right. In its application, the offender can be subjected to perform work service
measures, including, but not limited to any of the following:

Mentoring and Intergenerational Service – offenders will develop their nurturing

needs thru caring for other people; example: with senior citizens, with
orphanages, or with street children.
Economic Development – to link directly with the business project; examples:
cleaning downtown area, tree planting, maintenance of business
zones, housing restoration, garbage and waste management, cleaning
of esteros, recycling, construction, repair of streets, and the like.
Citizenship and Civic participation-experiential activities which involve solving
community problems; examples: puppet shows that showcase values,
street dramas, peer counseling.
Helping the Disadvantaged – this will enhance offender’s self-esteem;
examples: assist handicapped, assist in soup kitchen, tutor peers, and
visit the agedin jail and hospitals.
Crime Prevention Project – examples: Brgy. Ronda, giving testimony to the
youth.

The probation and parole officer should ensure the adoption of these
community work services to facilitate the reintegration of the offender in the
community.

C. Counseling (whether individual, group or family)

It will enhance client’s interpersonal relationship and it will help him/her
become more aware of his/her shortcomings/weaknesses. This will also help
him/her overcome painful experiences that drove him/her to commit a crime/
offense.
D. Attendance to trainings, seminars and lectures
E. Participation in education, vocation or life skills program
F. Group Therapy Session - An intervention which provides recovering drug
dependents or those with serious behavioral problems an opportunity to
discuss their problems.
G. Spiritual development session/faith-based session
H. Submission to psychological/psychiatric assessment
I. Submission to drug test/drug dependency examination
J. Attendance to skills training/livelihood assistance program
K. Marital enhancement program
L. Written or oral apology
M. Submission to family therapy session
 This session aims to develop healthy personal relationship within the
family and to establish open positive communication between family
members and significant others. Family members should be oriented in their
individual responsibilities and roles.
N. Confinement in Drug Treatment Rehabilitation Center Including After care

2. VOLUNTEERISM
Volunteerism is a program of the PPA aimed at generating maximum, effective
and efficient citizen participation and community involvement in the process of client
rehabilitation, prevention of crime and the overall administration of criminal justice.
Probation and parole, as community-based treatment programs, depend on
available resources in the community for the rehabilitation of offenders. Thus, the
Administration, recognizing the important role of the community as a rehabilitation
agent, involves the community in probation and parole work through the use of
volunteer workers and welfare agencies.
The use of volunteer workers in probation and parole is worth adopting
because it opens new fields for community involvement in corrections and for training
youth leaders, barangay organizations, and civic groups in social development work.
The use of volunteers will also make it possible for the correctional system to exercise
supervision of offenders at less cost to the government.

Legal bases for VPA program of the PPA

Presidential Decree No. 968 permits the employment of Volunteer Probation
Aides (VPA), specifically under Sec 28 which states:

 “To assist the Provincial or City Probation Officers in the supervision of

probationers, the Probation Administrator may appoint citizens of good repute
and probity to act as probation aides.

Probation Aides shall not receive any regular compensation for services
except for reasonable travel allowance. They shall hold office for 2 years
subject to renewal/revocation thereafter, upon the recommendation of the
Regional Director.

 On October 11, 2005, President Gloria M. Arroyo signed Executive Order No.
468 revitalizing the VPA Program of the PPA to strengthen community
involvement and participation in crime prevention, treatment of offenders and
the administration of criminal justice. This Executive Order provides the
coordination among government agencies, non-government organizations
and people’s organizations specifically under Section 3 which states:
“The PPA shall coordinate with other government agencies, non-
government organizations and people’s organizations that are involved
in developing programs related to volunteerism for the purpose of
developing programs and attaining programs impact and synergy.
Specifically, the support and cooperation of the Philippine National
Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, the Department of the Interior
and Local Government, the Philippine National Police Commission, the
Liga ng mga Barangay, the Department of Social Welfare and
Development, the Department of Justice, among others, shall be
 tapped for the foregoing purpose.”

HOW DO THE VPAS DIFFER WITH OTHER VOLUNTEERS?

VPAs differ from other volunteers in that the former perform a highly specialized
supervision service which directly have impact on the behavior of the clients. They
serve as strengths and role models in ushering the reformation and treatment of
offenders who are members of their own communities.

DO VPAS REPLACE THE FULL-TIME STAFF OF THE PPA?

No, the VPAs are not intended as replacement for full-time paid staff.
However, their participation as part of a team under supervision will enhance the
rehabilitation prospect of offenders by helping them in looking for jobs, schooling,
training opportunities and other activities. Their work as volunteers will also give them
a more favorable attitude toward corrections, and they will be in a better position to
exert positive influence in developing favorable community attitudes towards the
problems and needs of the offenders.

WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VPA?

1. Work in close coordination and cooperation with the Supervising Officer.
2. Keep all information about the supervisee in strict confidentiality.
3. Maintain an honest recording and monthly reporting of activities to the
Supervising Officer.
4. Devote a substantial and quality time for supervision of clients and perform the
following tasks:
 offer guidance and counseling
 act as job placement facilitator
 implement treatment objectives as provided for in the program of supervision
 refer to corresponding agencies clients with spiritual, mental, social, emotional,
economic, physical or health needs
 act as resource individual

WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF THE VPA? The role of the VPA may be classified into two
categories:

1. As Direct Supervisor who undertakes the following:

 Supervise a maximum of five (5) clients at any given time
 Work closely with officer-on-case and Chief Probation and Parole
Officer/Officer-in-Charge and discuss treatment plan and status of clients
 Submit monthly accomplishment reports to officer-on-case or Chief Probation
and Parole Officer/Officer-in-Charge and other reports as may be required
 Perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the officer-on-case or Chief
Probation and Parole Officer/Officer-in-Charge

2. As Resource Individual who acts as:

 Resource Speaker on Volunteerism, Restorative Justice, Therapeutic
Community and other topics
 Counselor to other clients/people who need help
 Donor, sponsor or referring person
 Program coordinator of client activities
  Mediator, Restorative Justice implementor, Therapeutic Community facilitator

3. THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY (TC)

The Therapeutic Community (TC) is an environment that helps people get help
while helping others. It is a treatment environment: the interactions of its members are
designed to be therapeutic within the context of the norms that require for each to
play the dual role of client-therapist. At a given moment, one may be in a client role
when receiving help or support from others because of a problem behavior or when
experiencing distress. At another time, the same person assumes a therapist role
when assisting or supporting another person in trouble.

What is the TC mission?

To promote human and social transformation among our clients and among
ourselves.

What is the TC vision?

By the end of this decade, TC shall have become the corporate culture of the
Parole and Probation Administration permeating its plans, programs, and practices,
and confirming its status as a model component of the Philippine Correctional
System.

How does TC look like?

The operation of the community itself is the task of the residents, working under
staff supervision. Work assignments, called “job functions” are arranged in a
hierarchy, according to seniority, individual progress and productivity. These include
conducting all house services, such as cooking, cleaning, kitchen service, minor
repair, serving as apprentices and running all departments, conducting meetings and
peer encounter groups.
The TC operates in a similar fashion to a functional family with a hierarchical
structure of older and younger members. Each member has a defined role and
responsibilities for sustaining the proper functioning of the TC. There are sets of rules
and community norms that members upon entry commit to live by and uphold.

What are the salient features of TC?

1. The primary “therapist” and teacher is the community itself, consisting of peers
and staff, who, as role models of successful personal change, serve as guides
in the recovery process.
2. TC adheres to precepts of right living: Truth/honesty; Here and now; Personal
responsibility for destiny; Social responsibility (brother’s keeper); Moral Code;
Inner person is “good” but behavior can be “bad”; Change is the only
certainty; Work ethics; Self-reliance; Psychological converges with
philosophical (e.g. guilt kills)
3. It believes that TC is a place where: One can change – unfold; the group can
foster change; individuals must take responsibility; structures must
accommodate this; Act as if – go through the motion.
4. There are 5 distinct categories of activity that help promote the change:
 Relational/Behavior Management
 Affective/Emotional/Psychological
  Cognitive/Intellectual
 Spiritual
 Psychomotor/Vocational-Survival Skills

These tools serve more than just the purpose of curbing unproductive
behavior. They are also a means used for enforcing community sanctions on behavior
that undermine the safety and integrity of the community such as violations of the
cardinal rules of TC: NO drugs, NO violence or threat of violence, NO sexual acting
out and NO stealing! Everything an officer does is meant to erase “street behavior”
and to lead the offender to be committed to “right living”.
When the office gives seminars and tutorials, arranges activities focused on the
Higher Power, conducts games, educational trips and other recreational activities,
we touch on the TC aspect of Intellectual and Spiritual Dimension. Aside from the role
of a direct supervisor, the VPAs may be the invited resource persons, donors/sponsors,
facilitators, lecturers, etc. during these seminars.
The skills training and livelihood activities fall within the purview of TC’s
Vocational and Survival Skills, so with Medical/Dental Clinics and Environmental
Conservation activities. In this aspect, the VPAs can facilitate job placement and can
tap community resources for clients’ social and physical needs.

Therapeutic Community is a tool that the Administration uses to prepare the

client for reintegration to the community as a reformed, rehabilitated, productive,
drug-free and law abiding person.

Enhancement Activity: Visit your canvas

Assessment: (Visit your Canvas dashboard)

References:

https://probation.gov.ph/restorative-
justice/#:~:text=The%20probation%20and%20parole%20officer%20should%20ensure%20t
he%20adoption%20of,the%20offender%20in%20the%20community.&text=It%20will%20en
hance%20client's%20interpersonal,his%2Fher%20shortcomings%2Fweaknesses.

https://probation.gov.ph/volunteerism/

https://probation.gov.ph/therapeutic-community/