The process is costly, but in the Scandinavian model that is seen as money well spent if it helps returning citizens build successful lives and avoid reoffending, explains Gebo. Still, there are cracks apparent in the system.
“We hear a lot about Nordic exceptionalism, and there are many positive practices that we can learn from,” says Gebo, “But they’re also dealing with some of the same issues we are, such as difficulty recruiting and retaining enough correctional employees and deciding how best to handle justice-involved youth.”
Gebo observed firsthand the rise in right-wing rhetoric focused on stricter law and order, and encountered some resistance to addressing issues that might strain the system. She says that while Scandinavian countries are rapidly becoming more multicultural, that diversity is often not reflected in staff or programming. During her visit, she also spoke with justice officials who were frustrated by staffing shortages that made it difficult to implement the activities and outings so central to their rehabilitation strategy.
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