Rehabilitating Beyond Walls: The Role of Informal Spaces in Formal Programs among Young Rehabilitators

While numerous studies have delved into rehabilitation programs for young and adolescent offenders, this study stands out by introducing the novel Photovoice research method to this population in Israel for the first time. The study, conducted at one of the Shushan Rehabilitation Centers in the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority, involved 14 young individuals aged 18 to 23 undergoing a rehabilitation program. These participants captured their surroundings within the rehabilitation center through photography. Findings reveal the central significance of the courtyard—an informal space—in the participants’ rehabilitation journeys. The study highlights how informal environments within formal programs foster agency, autonomy, and a sense of belonging, all crucial elements in the rehabilitation process. By emphasizing the experiential and spatial dimensions of rehabilitation, particularly in custodial settings, this research contributes to broader criminological discussions on youth rehabilitation.