ABSTRACT
In this chapter the authors propose a model for penal reform. The model – the Wheel of Dynamic Change – is presented in the form of 12 principles that can help transform a static security prison into a dynamic organism. It is based partly on Gestalt and human ecological theories as well as on the authors’ extensive international experience from penal systems. It was largely implemented at Bastøy prison, the first human ecological prison in Norway, which provides a higher than average chance of socio-cultural rehabilitation of former inmates and has one of the lowest recidivism rates in Europe, thereby raising levels of public security.
