Elsa Nourrice selected for the IVLP U.S. Penal System and Reform

The embassy of the United States of America has announced the selection of Elsa Nourrice, the principal probation officer and head of the prison rehabilitation service, for an International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on ‘U.S. Penal System and Reform’ (African Regional Program).

She is among the 17 selected candidates for this three-week program of workshops, meetings, and networking events.

In the U.S. Ms Nourrice will develop her expertise and make new connections.

The program will take place in five cities, namely Washington DC, Sante Fe (New Mexico), and Miami (Florida) from August 19 to September 6, 2019.

Ms Nourrice has become the face of the Seychelles prison service for rehabilitation and communicates to the public the various programs taking place in the prison.

Before Ms Nourrice took up the position of rehabilitation officer at Montagne Posée prison, the prison service had no rehabilitation program. Ms Nourrice is responsible for the development and implementation of the ‘Phoenix’ program which allows prisoners to gain work experience during the day, so that they earn some money in preparation for their release as well as giving them a sense of purpose.

Ms Nourrice is hoping to learn a lot from her IVLP including existing rehabilitation programs in the U.S. as well as psycho-social support programs and how the U.S caters for juvenile offenders.

The objectives of the exchange program are to demonstrate the workings of the penal system and discuss the major issues related to penal reform in the United States.

Participants on the program will also examine the critical role of transparency and accountability in law enforcement, the juvenile justice system in the United States and best practices in treatment and rehabilitation tailored to the needs of juvenile offenders and their families. There will also be meetings and site visits to learn about alternative sentencing and programs to rehabilitate and prevent recidivism.