1.1 Introduction
A Computerized Prisoner Counseling Automated System is a software-based platform designed to facilitate and manage the counseling processes of inmates by storing personal data, scheduling appointments, monitoring progress, and generating reports. According to Oyeleye et al., (2019), automation in counseling improves efficiency and enables counselors to focus more on therapeutic interventions rather than administrative tasks (Oyeleye et al., 2019). The automated system performs operations with minimal human intervention through computer software (Laudon et al., 2020). The design and implementation of such a system not only streamlines the counseling process but also helps prison authorities in making informed decisions about the psychological and emotional well-being of inmates.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitation of the study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Over the years, the manual system of prisoner counseling in correctional institutions has been plagued with challenges such as poor documentation, lack of privacy, inefficient scheduling of sessions, inadequate follow-up on counseling outcomes, and lack of real-time data for decision-making. In Nigeria and many other developing countries, formal counseling in prisons became more pronounced in the post-independence era. However, the implementation remained largely manual and under-resourced. Prison officers often assumed counseling responsibilities without proper psychological training, leading to suboptimal outcomes in inmate rehabilitation efforts (Alemika & Chukwuma, 2001). Record-keeping and session tracking were done using paper files, which were susceptible to loss, damage, and unauthorized access.
With the global advancement in information and communication technology (ICT) in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, various sectors began adopting computerized systems to improve efficiency. in the correctional system, automation was gradually introduced to support administrative functions, inmate tracking, and parole management. However, the integration of automation into prison counseling has lagged behind, especially in developing countries where ICT infrastructure and funding for prison reforms are often limited (UNODC, 2018).
The idea of developing a computerized prisoner counseling automated system arose from the need to address the inefficiencies of manual counseling methods. Such a system aims to streamline counseling processes, provide secure data storage, automate appointment scheduling, and enable the generation of performance reports for better rehabilitation planning. According to Oyeleye and Lawal (2019), implementing digital tools in prison counseling enhances counselor productivity, ensures confidentiality, and improves overall outcomes in prisoner rehabilitation.
Correctional facilities are established not only to detain individuals convicted of crimes but also to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society as responsible citizens. Counseling is a core component of the rehabilitation process in prisons, as it helps inmates manage psychological challenges, develop positive behavioral changes, and prepare for life after incarceration. According to the American Psychological Association (2020), counseling interventions within correctional environments can significantly reduce recidivism by addressing emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues that often contribute to criminal behavior.
Traditionally according to Njoku & Okeke (2018), prisoner counseling in many correctional institutions has been handled manually, involving paper-based documentation, handwritten reports, and physical appointment scheduling (Njoku & Okeke, 2018). With the advancement in information and communication technologies, there is an increasing demand to automate administrative and therapeutic processes within correctional institutions. A computerized prisoner counseling automated system offers a solution by providing a digital platform to record inmates’ counseling data, schedule sessions, monitor progress, and generate reports. The system ensures data accuracy, enhances confidentiality, and promotes timely delivery of services, which are crucial for effective counseling and rehabilitation.
The challenges encountered that led to the execution of the research work is that in many correctional facilities, the prisoner counseling process is still handled manually, which often leads to significant inefficiencies that affect the quality of rehabilitation services. The manual method of recording counseling sessions, scheduling appointments, and storing inmate data is time-consuming, error-prone, and lacks proper security. Important records are frequently misplaced or poorly managed, making it difficult to monitor counseling progress or access inmates’ psychological histories when needed (Njoku & Okeke, 2018). It is against the background that the developments of this software will aid in monitoring the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and making informed management decisions. Furthermore, the system when implemented will ensure that counseling data is accurately recorded and securely stored.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Based on the investigation conducted, the implemented system encounters a number of challenges, with some of the most significant issues highlighted below.
- Inmates' psychological and counseling data are often exposed due to poor file management, undermining trust in the counseling process.
- There are errors in manual data entry and duplication of inmate records are common, affecting data integrity.
- Manual files are vulnerable to unauthorized access, which undermines the trust inmates have in the counseling process and discourages full participation.
- In the traditional system, tracking each inmate’s counseling schedule and follow-up is often chaotic, resulting in missed sessions and inconsistent service delivery
- The existing system does not provide adequate analytical tools to monitor counseling outcomes, hindering the ability to assess and improve rehabilitation programs effectively.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to design and implement a computerized prisoner counseling automated system. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To develop a user-friendly software system that automates the recording and management of prisoner counseling sessions.
- To provide a secure platform that ensures the confidentiality and privacy of inmate counseling data.
- To implement an automated scheduling feature that manages counseling appointments and reduces missed or overlapping sessions.
- To facilitate effective monitoring and tracking of each inmate’s counseling progress over time.
- To enable counselors and prison authorities to generate timely and comprehensive reports for informed decision-making.
- To reduce the workload of prison counselors by automating routine administrative tasks.
- To create a scalable system that can be integrated with other prison management tools for holistic inmate management.
1.5 Significance of Study
The implementation of a computerized prisoner counseling automated system will greatly improve the efficiency of counseling services in correctional facilities by reducing the time spent on manual record-keeping and scheduling.
Furthermore, counselors will benefit from an organized platform that allows them to monitor inmate progress easily and prioritize cases effectively. The system will also help minimize missed counseling sessions and improve follow-up procedures, ultimately contributing to better psychological support for prisoners.
Lastly, prison administrators will have access to timely and detailed reports that will support data-driven decisions aimed at improving rehabilitation programs and reducing recidivism.
1.6 Scope of Study
This study focuses on the design and implementation of a computerized prisoner counseling automated system specifically tailored for use in the Lagos State Correctional Centre. The study covers the automation of counseling record-keeping, appointment scheduling, and progress tracking for prisoners undergoing rehabilitation programs. It also includes features for secure data storage and report generation to assist counselors and prison management in monitoring inmate behavior and psychological health.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Establishment Policies: Establishment policies posed a serious limitation as most staffs are not ready to release information needed for this research work. There were lots of information needed from the staffs of this institution to enhance the study which took them time to release or they did not release at all for security purposes, hence the scope was reduced.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Computerized System:
A computerized system refers to an electronic platform designed to perform tasks automatically using software and hardware components. in the context of this study, it means a digital system developed to manage prisoner counseling activities efficiently (O’Brien & Marakas, 2011).
Prisoner Counseling:
Prisoner counseling is a professional psychological support service offered to inmates to help address emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges during incarceration. It aims to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism (Morgan & Flora, 2017).
Automated System:
An automated system is one that performs operations or processes with minimal human intervention through computer software. This system facilitates scheduling, record-keeping, and reporting without manual input errors (Laudon & Laudon, 2020).
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