Evaluating the Success of Oregon's Norwegian-Inspired Prison Reform
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Date
2021
Authors
Klocke, Aysa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This thesis aims to understand Oregon’s progress towards prison reform through the Amend program. Inspired by the Norwegian prison model, the Amend program provides trainings and support to correctional officers and staff with the goal of increasing wellness for the staff as well as the adults in custody. Since 2016, Oregon correctional staff and policymakers have been on two Amend-led trips to Norway. According to the chief program officer, Oregon is the state that has embraced the Norwegian model the most. I will evaluate the success of the Norwegian model for Oregon’s prison reform. This thesis focuses on the Oregon Department of Corrections as they are directly enrolled in the Amend program. Through interviews, I have gathered information on specific changes several prisons have made. Overall, the Norwegian model has been successful at shifting the perspectives of officers and improving conditions for officers and adults in custody. On the other hand, local non-profits suggest prison reform in Oregon needs to be more radical. I will conclude that the Norwegian model in and of itself is not enough to address root causes of incarceration in Oregon.
Description
81 pages
Keywords
prison, Oregon, Norway, international model, prison reform