I believe that it is possible for an offender to reform him or herself and reenter into the society as a responsible citizen. However, this depends on the rehabilitation programs and process that he or she passes through. Giligan (2012) reveals that rehabilitation process gives an offender an opportunity to understand his or her offense thus assisting him or her to rectify such an offense and seize from doing it completely instead of punishment. Besides, it encourages the offender to take advantage of various constructive patterns that allow him or her to act according to the will of the community. For instance, an offender can invest in education which can help him or her to grow as a responsible person.
On a different note, I would be hesitant to hire a person with a criminal record as an employer. This is because such a person may present difficulties in the work environment thus affecting the goal of the organization. However, this does not mean that I cannot hire a person who has ever been convicted of an offense. I would consider various factors before hiring such a person. For instance, I would consider whether the person was fully rehabilitated. If yes, I would offer him or her a chance if he or she has all the qualifications. Otherwise, I would not consider such a person in my organization. Besides, I would also determine the strength of the offense under which the offender was convicted. I can only hire a person whose conviction was a mistake or whose conviction was baseless. Other convictions like murder, robbery, and fraud cannot allow me to hire the person (Andrew, 2015).
Furthermore, I believe that it is possible to determine whether or not a person has been rehabilitated successfully. This is possible by observing a behavioral change from that of a criminal to that of a moral person. Besides, one can also observe the ability of the offender to fit in the society. This means that a successfully rehabilitated person should be committed and ready to comply with the provisions of his or her society.
The final test of a successful rehabilitation is the evaluation of the actions of the offender towards the other members of the society as well as his or her conviction offense. This is to mean that a success rehabilitation should be able to change the person's actions from that of a criminal to that of a responsible member of the society. This is to mean that the member should have changed his or her behavior completely for good.
References
Adrew, D. (2015, June 15). Crime and punishment and rehabilitation: a smarter approach. The conversation.com. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/crime-and-punishment- and-rehabilitation-a-smarter-approach-41960
Giligan, J. (2012, December 19). Punishment Fails. Rehabilitation Works. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/12/18/prison-could-be- productive/punishment-fails-rehabilitation-works
