Changing Offenders' Attitudes to Crime

THE WAY TO HAPPINESS^® Course is a proven effective tool in reforming offenders and in preventing criminal activity from beginning in the first place. The course centres on the The Way to Happiness booklet, a common-sense moral code consisting of 21 precepts. (Precepts are rules or statements advising or laying down principles or a course of action regarding conduct).

Each precept deals with a specific area or activity of life, and explains why following such a code of conduct will actually lead to a better life. It is in fact this understanding which helps the individual realise why ethical behaviour is the way to lead a happier and more productive life. And when they understand this, they change their behaviour themselves. Each precept on the course is studied to a full understanding, and is followed by lessons and practical exercises and assignments, which actively demonstrate how these are used and apply in life.

Students on the course also put the precepts to use in their own lives as a major final practical assignment, and actually get to see their workability for themselves.

In effect, this course displaces the 'criminal code of conduct' by teaching a common-sense moral code that anyone can use to live a life of stability and productivity, and most importantly, get back and maintain their self-respect.

In August 2003 a survey was sent out to every offender that had completed THE WAY TO HAPPINESS Course with Criminon UK from 1996 and December 2002.

There were 210 offenders who had completed the course. Current addresses were available for 147 course graduates. 60 out of the 147 filled out the survey. Of the 60, 52 were men, and 8 were women. Many of the offenders carried on and completed other CRIMINON courses. The following tables show the results of the majority of the survey questions.