Henk Smidstra
I retired in May of 2012 after 21 years as inter-faith prison chaplain (CRC Chaplaincy) for British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Corrections Branch. I worked largely with female prisoners and staff; working from a restorative Justice vison and orientation. In retirment I am trying my hand at writing more specifically about criminal justice having wrestled with thelogical issues regarding this topic for many years. I live in Surrey, British Columbia.
Posted in: Get Ready: May is Mental Health Month
Mental health month gives us oportunity to remember the many mentally and cognitively challenged human beings that languish in our prisons. Prison staff often do not have the training and resources to adequately care for these individuals. After they have, as it is put, paid their debt to society these released prisoners are doubly stigmatized and labelled with a prison record/status of ex-con, making it harder for them to be integrated socially and to find meaningful relationships or work. We remember that all human beings, absolutely all, are precious in God's sight, and the church is called to do justice to this according to the biblical mandate of love and justice for the poor and marginalized..