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Welcome to the EuroPris Knowledge Management System. The table below shows questions and responses from European National Agencies. Select a question for more information or use the filters on the left to narrow down questions based on Agency or Category.
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Introduction:
General Directorate of Prisons of Albania has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education and Sports MoES, on organizing the formal education of inmates within the penitentiary system. Formal education process is organized and monitored by the MoES. At the end of the academic year the inmates who have attended the education process are provided with certificates/receipts. This document does not indicate the juridical status of the person to whom has been delivered. In those penitentiary institutions where the education process has not been implemented yet, informal education courses are conducted by prison administration.
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?No
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?The total number of prison population is 5988. There are 358 inmates engaged in education process.
Is education mandatory for minors?All the juveniles in Albania penitentiary system are subject to mandatory education process. According to the new memorandum they are subject also to high education (not mandatory).
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?According to the memorandum of understanding for the education process, pre-trial detainees are also subject to education. However, due to the short duration of the pre-trial detention, most of the pre-trial detainees are not interested in attending the education process.
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?Currently there are 103 illiterate inmates in Albania penitentiary system. They are subject to formal or informal education process.
Special Remarks or CommentsMinistry of Justice, General Directorate, Department of Care and Services
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?No. According to § 48 Abs 2 StVG (Penitentiary System Law) receive inmates in training the same remuneration as inmates who work, which is determined pursuant to § 52 StVG.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?As per relevant date of 1st July 2015 the population of inmates is 8.822. According to the annual security report of 2014, 2.125 inmates were engaged in education (male: 2.011, female: 114).
Is education mandatory for minors?Juvenile inmates of school age have to attend school in prison according to § 58 Abs 5 JGG (Juvenile Court Law).
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?yes
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?According to the annual security report of 2014, there is some relevant data of the exact number of uneducated inmates missing. But it can be said, that 2/3 of the total number of inmates (Austrian citizens) does have a compulsory schooling. In General, the education level is very low compared to the general population.
Special Remarks or Comments Ministry of Education.
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?Yes. The general direction Penitentiary Institutions (federal government) awards incentives and gratuities. The regional government does not grant any additional or further bonuses.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?The regional governments are requested to provide information, which will be transferred upon receipt.
Is education mandatory for minors?Welfare teams are present in the public institutions (regional competence of the minister for Youth).
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?There is no distinction between accused and sentenced persons, both groups can participate in the same activities. However, the organization of these activities often varies in prisons with accused persons and with long-term prisoners because of the distinct length of their stay.
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?No information available.
Special Remarks or CommentsThe Department of Education in coordination with the Department of Justice
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?They are not paid cash (or bonuses), but if their behaviour and profit of studies are good then they can obtain some penitentiary benefits (vis a vis extra, good reports to the judge...)
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?The monthly average of inmates engaged with education is 53,6%. In absolute numbers: monthly average of 4984 inmates going to school from a total population of 9,300 inmates on average.
Is education mandatory for minors?Yes is mandatory up to 16 years old. Basic education (up to 16) is compulsory to obtain the degree in Secondary Education (GES).
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?Everyone has the right to education in the prison system regardless of their status or penitentiary regime
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?We haven't updated data on illiteracy, but about 70-80% of the prison population does not have consolidated their degree in Secondary Education (GES) and consequently they should perform basic and initial levels of education ( Catalan and Spanish, instrumental training), or studies for obtaining the title of GES.
Special Remarks or CommentsPenitentiaries and prisons are obliged to organize the continuation of basic education for persons under 21 years of age, and literacy courses are organized independently of age. Education of prisoners is realized in cooperation with external educational institutions. In prisons and penitentiaries is also organized training for particular professions. Inmates may be permitted to acquire higher education at their own expense, if the training program can be matched with security purpose.
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?No.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?As of August 4, 2015 in the prison system has 3558 of prisoners and 138 of prisoners are involved in education. A total of 347 of prisoners were involved in education during 2014.
Is education mandatory for minors?Penitentiaries and prisons are obliged to organize the continuation of basic education for persons under 21 years of age, and literacy courses are organized independently of age. Normally, education of prisoners and minors is structured in three parts: literacy courses and completion of primary education regardless of age of prisoners and minors, training to perform simple jobs, secondary education for the professions, various courses and Continuation of education at the level of secondary and high schools.
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?The court has jurisdiction for approving all activities which involve contact of pre-trial detainees with outside world, including also those related to education. If the court approves education, the prison system could provide implementation; however, there have been no such cases among detainees.
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?On 31 December 2014, in the prison system was 9 illiterate prisoners (prisoners who cannot write, read and do not know basic calculations) and 276 of prisoners who have not completed primary school. On the same day, 4 of total 70 minors were illiterate (minors who cannot write, read and do not know basic calculations) while 26 of them have not completed primary school.
Special Remarks or CommentsThis content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) fund education for prisoners over 18 in England. It is delivered by colleges of further education and training providers through contracts with Skills Funding Agency. Prison governors decide which courses will be offered to the prisoners in their care in partnership with the provider and work with them to manage the service. Responsibility for education in prisons in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is devolved to their respective administrations. You would need to contact these administrations direct for further information.
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school? What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?The prison population on 31 July 2015 in England and Wales was 86,179. Data published by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills shows that between August 2013 and July 2014 95,000 prisoners in England (over 18) took part in education. Published provisional data for the first three quarters of the 2014/15 academic year (August 2014 to April 2015) show there were 85,100 prisoners (over18) taking part. More details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learner-participation-outcomes-and-level-of-highest-qualification-held
Is education mandatory for minors?Education for prisoners over 17 is not mandatory. All prisoners are assessed on reception. Where a need is identified they are encouraged to participate and education may form part of their Sentence Plan.
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?Prisoners on remand can access education in the same way as prisoners who are sentenced.
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?Since August 2014 assessment of educational needs has been mandatory for all new receptions. This includes assessment of Maths and English and a screen for learning difficulties and disabilities. The Department for Business Innovation and Skills published data (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learner-participation-outcomes-and-level-of-highest-qualification-held) identifies that 57,000 prisoners were assessed under these arrangements but data as to specific literacy levels is not published.
Special Remarks or CommentsThe Ministry of Education is responsible for the organization of education for all the citizens, including inmates. All education in prisons, basic education, upper secondary school, vocational school and university education, is provided by an outside educational institution. The Criminal Santions provides only the facilities and some of the educational material.
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?Yes, the inmate has a right to activity allowance for the educational pratices performed during the sentence. The activity allowance for studying is 0.70-1.20 euros per hour. Activity allowance is not paid if the inmate gets study allowance from the government.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?The total number of prison population is 3026 (1.8.2015). About 7 % of the inmates were engaged in education in 2014.
Is education mandatory for minors?In Finland compulsory education starts the year the person turns seven and ends when the person has completed nine years of basic education or in the of the year he or she turns 17. Minors under 17 years old are very rare in the Finnish prisons.
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?These possibilities depend on the prison where the pre-trial detainee is being kept.
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?There are no statistics on this matter as the illiteracy rate of the inmates is estimated to be minimal. However, one fourth of the inmates suffer from learning difficulties.
Special Remarks or CommentsThe Department of Education and Skills, which is seperate from The Department of Justice
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?No, but we have an incentivised regimes programme in place whereby prisoners can earn extra concessions by engaging in constructive activities, such as education.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?4000 prisoners with apx 40% involved in education
Is education mandatory for minors?Yes
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?Yes, remand prisoners have full access to educational facilities
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?Literacy rates are low compared to the community but we are currently preparing a literacy survey which will give accurate figures
Special Remarks or CommentsThe Ministry of Education, University and Research as for school and university courses; the regions and the acknowledged training agencies for vocational training courses.
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?The regulations of enforcement of the Italian Penitentiary Act of 2000, provides for a number of economic subventions and benefits for inmates who attend education and vocational training: Art. 45. Economic benefits for students 1. The attendence at vocational training courses shall entail the reception of an hourly benefit as per ministerial decree. 2. Courses may be organised during the working hours only if it is impossible to hold them in times other than those devoted to study or working activities. In this case prisoners and internees taking the course, shall receive for the work done, a payment proportional to the amount of hours of the actual performed work, besides the benefit under paragraph 1 for the hours of course attendance. 3. For attendance at secondary high school courses, prisoners shall receive a daily benefit as per ministerial decree for each day of attendance or absence not depending on their will. In the interval between the end of the school year and the beggining of a new school year, students shall receive a reduced benefit for week-days, as per ministerial decree, provided that they have successfully passed the school year and do not receive any earning. 4. At the beggining of the school year students attending individual courses for secondary high school education and having passed their exams to all effects and purposes under the law, as well as students attending courses at public universities or equivalent institutes and having passed all of the exams of the year, shall receive a reimbursement if they are in difficult economic situation, of expenses supported for taxes, school fee and text books, and shall also receive a reward for the results achieved according to the decision of the Department of Penitentiary Administration. 5. Compulsory school courses can be organised during working hours only if it is impossible to hold them in times other than those devoted to study or working activities, as provided by Article 41 (4). In this case prisoners and internees attending the courses, shall receive for the work done, a payment proportional to the amount of hours of the actual performed work. 6. Prisoners and internees having successfully passed the attended courses shall receive a reward for the results achieved according to the decision of the Department of Penitentiary Administration. 7. Persons enjoying scholarships or school aid shall not receive economical benefits under this Article. 8. The total amount of money for benefits and rewards for the results achieved under is Article, is provided every year by a Decree of Ministry of Justice, in agreement with the Ministry of Treasure and the Budget and Economic Planning Ministry.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?In the school year 2013/2014 (last available data) 13,643 inmates attended school courses, as of 31 December 2014 the Italian prison population was 53,623 persons.
Is education mandatory for minors?Minors fall under the responsibility of the Deparment of Juvenile Justice. However, in Italy education it is compulsory for at least 10 years and aims at enabling the student to gt a diploma of secondary highschool or a three year professional qualification by the age of 18. After the age of 16, the student still has the right duty to be educated (or trained) until he/she gets his/her qualification.
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?Upon their request, pre-trial detainees can be admited to courses as auditors.
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?The inmates declare their level of educational qualification upon their entry into a penal establishment. That said, as of 30 June 2015, there were 594 illiterate subjects, while 1174 inmates had no 'educational qualification'; for 23,520 prisoners it was not possible to survey their educational qualification (many of them are foreign inmates).
Special Remarks or CommentsIn the places of imprisonment in Latvia education programs (secondary, professional and higher) are organized by educational institutions. Latvian Prison Administration is collaborating with Ministry of Education and Science and its subordinate bodies, together they are coordinating the implementation of education programs in places of imprisonment. Secondary schools are local municipality schools, in places of imprisonment there are established departments of the previously mentioned schools. Professional education schools are established by the country. Cesis 2nd evening (shift) secondary school is the only educational institution that is a department of Cesis correctional institution for juveniles, which is a structural unit of Latvian Prison Administration and a subordinate of the Ministry of Justice. Cesis 2nd evening (shift) secondary school is financed from the budget of Latvian Prison Administration.
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?Inmates do not receive scholarships/bonuses for attending educational programs.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?On June 29, 2015 there were 4509 inmates in total out of which 1853 inmates participated in educational programs (763 of those were a part of informal educational programs). Thus 41% of all prison population is engaged in education.
Is education mandatory for minors?According with Section 4 of the Education Law “The preparation of children from the age of 5 for the acquisition of basic education and the acquisition of basic education, or the continuation of acquisition of basic education until reaching the age of 18, shall be mandatory.” All places of imprisonment in Latvia, in which there are offenders that are minors, will provide the opportunity to acquire basic education and engage in the acquisition of secondary education. Minors will also have the opportunity to engage in special education programs (Special education – education program for persons with special needs and health problems/disabilities or secondary and professional education that is adapted for persons with special needs and health problems/disabilities).
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?Pre-trial detainees, just the same as inmates, are provided with the chance to attend professional/vocational and secondary education programs. These rights are noted in the Law On the Procedures for Holding under Arrest. In 2015 12% of the total number of detainees was engaged in educational programs (data on June 29, 2015).
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?At the beginning of 2015, there were 14 persons, 10 out of which were youths (persons of the age 14 – 29 years), who had low levels of basic skills (the ability to calculate, read, write).
Special Remarks or CommentsThis content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) on behalf of the Department of Justice (DOJ)
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?Yes. Prisoners can, through the Progressive regime and earned privileges scheme (PREPS), earn additional money by attending purposeful activity one of which is education.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?On 20/7/15 there were a total of 1682 prisoners held within NIPS prison establishments, 915 of these were engaged in education.
Is education mandatory for minors?In this Northern Ireland education is mandatory until the age of 16. The NIPS holds only adults - persons aged 18 and over; it does not therefore hold or educate minors.
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?The NIPS refer to Pre-trial detainees as ‘On Remand’. Persons on remand have the opportunity to attend education classes if they choose to do so.
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?On 20/7/15 there were 31 prisoners receiving assistance to upgrade their literacy skills.
Special Remarks or CommentsCounty Governor of Hordaland
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?No
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?Total prison population: 3639 Engaged in education: 2114 (full time and part time)
Is education mandatory for minors?Yes
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?Yes
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?No such statistic available
Special Remarks or CommentsThis content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
SPS Headquarters monitors and manages a commercial contract with two eductaion suppliers - Fife College and New College Lanarkshire - for the provision of a range of courses across the estate. Tertiary level distance leaning is supplied by the Open University with places being available through a competiitive selection process.
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?Wages can vary across the estate. A small payment is made for each qualification successfully gained.
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?The current population is around 7,750. At any given time there can be one third to one half engaged in education.
Is education mandatory for minors?There are no minors (under 16 years old) in Scottish prisons therefore no educational requirement.
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?Where places are available, pre-trial detainees can avail themselves of education oppotunities.
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?The tem illiterate is not used in Scotland. SPS adopts a defict model based on functional levels of literacy. It is estimated that at Level 4 (equivalent to a Scottish 'O' Grade standard), 70% of prisoners have functional literacy problems.
Special Remarks or CommentsSlovenian prison administration (penitentiary institutions) in cooperation with Ministry of Education, Science and Sport. Educational activities in the prison are organised in cooperation with external institutions for the education of adults: - ljudska univerza (peoples' university) - education of adults in (upper) secondary schools and higher education - other organisations (language education, computer and IT education, financial management). Legislation framework The Penal Sanctions Enforcement Act The Rules Concerning the Enforcement of Prison Sentences - regulates the education in prison The Organisation and Financing of Education Act - an umbrella act in the field of education in Slovenia The Adult Education Act - regulates the normative basis of the adult education system in the narrower sense Recommendation No. R (87) 3 of The Council of Europe – The European Prison Rules Recommendation No. R (89) 12 of The Council of Europe on education in prison
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?No
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?Total number of prisoners in year 2014 was 2268 and number of inmates engaged in formal education was 431 ( 19%)
Is education mandatory for minors?Yes
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?NO, but there are possibilities to join non-formal educational programs or free time activities (Creative and cultural activities, sport, etc.)
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?18,4%
Special Remarks or CommentsNo
The Ministry of Education
Are inmates paid bonuses for going to school?no
What is the total number of prison population and the number of inmates engaged in education?number of prison population : 51.114 (2013) number of inmates engaged in education: 18.910 37% (2013)
Is education mandatory for minors?yes
Are there possibilities provided for pre-trial detainees to go to school?yes
How many uneducated (illiterate) inmates are there in penitentiary institutions of your country?2.120 4,1% (2013)
Special Remarks or Comments