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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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Resocialisation is defined by Enforcement of Criminal Sanctions in Art 14: “The enforcement of prison sentences and juvenile prison sentences must be organised in a manner that offers programmes and activities to a convict or juvenile to improve the quality of life and greater social inclusion after the sentence has been served.”
Is prisoner re-socialisation considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment?Re-socialisation of prisoner is considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment in law and regulations from the year 1978 on.
Is re-socialisation divided into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities?Enforcement of Criminal Sanctions explains work toward re-socialisation in Art 99: “(1) Convicts shall be offered assistance, guidelines and projects in planning social inclusion after release from prison.” Implementation of resocialisation is further defined as follows: “(2) The planning and realisation of social inclusion after serving a sentence of imprisonment shall be conducted according to the personal plan of a convict through inclusion in individual, group and community programmes and activities.” Division into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities is not explicit.
Are the social rehabilitation activities in prisons the same for arrested and convicted persons?Social rehabilitation activities are not the same for arrested and convicted persons. For arrested persons there is only a general care for their basic needs, and social network. If there is any need in psychophysical area arrested persons can contact our personnel.
Does re-socialisation activities include spiritual care in prison, or is it separate?Spiritual care is separated from resocialisation activities. The coordinator for spiritual needs is employed in this field and his activities are more connected with other system activities and cooperation.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out before the re-socialisation plan for an inmate is developed?Yes it is.
If yes, how soon after being placed in prison is the risk and needs assessment carried out and when is it carried out repeatedly?In one month after convict is placed in prison risk and needs assessment have to be carried out. It is done as soon as possible. After that re-socialisation plan is being developed.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out for both the arrested and convicted prisoners?Risk and needs assessment is carried out only for convicted prisoners, but needs and specifics of every arrested person are in focus as well.
According to the Act on Imprisonment (chapter 1, section 5) enforcement of sentences of imprisonment in prisons shall be devised so as to facilitate the inmate's adjustment in the community (re-socialisation) and counteract negative consequences of deprivation of liberty. Enforcement shall, so far as possible and without neglecting the requirement to protect the community, focus especially on measures intended to prevent re-offending. An individual enforcement plan shall be drawn up for each inmate. Enforcement shall be planned and devised after consultation with the inmate and in collaboration with the relevant authorities. According to the Prison Regulation focuses, upon release, specifically should be on practical measures that can facilitate the transition to a life of freedom. Based on the intimate’s needs there should be collaboration with social services, healthcare, the Swedish Employment Service and the Swedish Social Insurance Service. If necessary, cooperation with other agencies, organizations and individuals also should take place. According to the Swedish Prison and Probation Service’ (PPS) instructions shall an individual enforcement plan be established in order to design the enforcement in an efficient manner and prepare for release. It should be individually devised to the circumstances of the individual case. The inmate shall receive a copy of the plan. To design the enforcement in an efficient manner refers both to the need to protect society and consider prison security and that measures are taken to reduce the risk of recidivism, facilitate the inmate's adjustment in the community and counteract negative consequences of deprivation of liberty.
Is prisoner re-socialisation considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment?Yes, enforcement of sentences of imprisonment in prisons shall be devised so as to facilitate the inmate's adjustment in the community or, expressed in another manner, re-socialisation of inmates are considered one of the most important objective of the enforcement. Re-socialisation has shown in different laws at least since the 1960’s. In the government bill (2009/10:135) the legislature wrote that the content in the Act of Imprisonment (chapter 1 section 5) should be the objective of the enforcement. It states that the execution shall be devised so as to facilitate the inmate's adjustment in the community and counteract negative consequences of deprivation of liberty. The term refers, for example, to the psychological, social and economic consequences that detention can have on an inmate.
Is re-socialisation divided into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities?In a way the activities in prison are divided into social rehabilitation and social behavior correction activities, although it is only defined as is written above. The policy of the PPS is to try and help inmates on an individual basis. During the time in prison, it is the responsibility of the Prison and Probation Service to prepare the inmate for a better life on release, through training, work and various treatment programs. All occupational activities in prison aim to improve inmates' chances of leading a drug free and law abiding life after having served their sentence. In prison it is compulsory to partake in occupational activities for six hours a day weekdays. Activities can be different kinds of work, like assembling subcontracted products, indoor maintenance or laundry. The PPS has its own school system and inmates may study part-time or full-time. In addition to that, there are different vocational trainings. There are also other activities that count as occupational, such as yoga classes, health programs, writing classes, painting and ceramics. Activities also include attending rehabilitation programs, mostly cognitive behavioral therapy, that target drug- and alcohol abuse, violent behavior, aggression and criminal behavior. The PPS only implement evidence based rehabilitation programs. Usually programs are combined with work or study. Complementary to this, based on the inmate's needs and according to the individual enforcement plan, the inmate and the PPS collaborate with for example social services and the Swedish Social Insurance Service to facilitate the inmate's adjustment in the community.
Are the social rehabilitation activities in prisons the same for arrested and convicted persons?Persons, who are arrested or in detention are held in a remand prison in Sweden, which is not the same as a prison where a person serves his or her sentence.
Does re-socialisation activities include spiritual care in prison, or is it separate?The PPS cooperate with priests, representatives of independent churches and, imams, which is governed in the regulations. These representatives visit prisons and remand prisons regularly. These visits are not part of the occupational activities; an inmate participates depending on his or her own will.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out before the re-socialisation plan for an inmate is developed?Yes, that is part of designing the enforcement plan. A risk and needs assessment precedes planning to find the right measures to reduce the risk of recidivism, facilitate the inmate's adjustment in the community and counteract negative consequences of deprivation of liberty. Also, in addition to this, the PPS’s do other kinds of risk assessments, for example before a transport is administrated.
If yes, how soon after being placed in prison is the risk and needs assessment carried out and when is it carried out repeatedly?The individual enforcement plan has to be done in 30 days from the day the inmate was admitted to the prison. A risk and needs assessment should be altered when it is necessary. This might, for example, be if the inmate has attended rehabilitation programs and it seems to have had an effect or, in another the way, if the inmate repeatedly has broken the rules and regulations.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out for both the arrested and convicted prisoners?Yes, the PPS do risk and needs assessments about both inmates in remand prisons and in prisons, although the assessment about an inmate in remand prison is more limited.
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No, such a difference is not made in legal texts, although program activity is mentioned as one of the various activities a convicted person may participate in, as stated in the answer to question 1.
Is prisoner re-socialisation considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment?Convicted persons have an obligation to participate in activities, and the correctional service therefore has an obligation to provide them. This is not the case for persons on remand. They have within certain limits connected to their case the opportunity to participate in some of the activities, but are not obliged to do so. The Norwegian Execution of Sentences Act (§ 2) states that "in the case of persons remanded in custody the Correctional Service shall make suitable arrangements for remedying the detrimental effects of isolation". This means that the correctional service will as far as possible offer activities to persons on remand. This goal is also reflected in our Strategy for Work Activities 2015- 2018.
Is re-socialisation divided into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities?Article 2 on the goal of the execution of sentences states that ”a sentence shall be executed in a manner that takes into account the purpose of the sentence, that serves to prevent the commission of new criminal acts, that reassures society, and that within this framework ensures satisfactory conditions for the prisoners”. In the sense that the re-socialisation of offenders may be interpreted as a way of preventing the commission of new criminal acts, re-socialisation is at an equal level with the other stated goals for the correctional service.
Are the social rehabilitation activities in prisons the same for arrested and convicted persons?In the Norwegian Execution of Sentences Act (Straffegjennomføringsloven) from 2001 the concept of rehabilitation is not defined as such. There are however circumscriptions for rehabilitation in several central parts of the law. Article 3 on the contents of a sentence states: "The Correctional Service shall make suitable arrangements for enabling a convicted person through efforts of his or her own to avoid committing new criminal acts. Particular importance shall be attached to a child’s right of access to his or her parents during the execution of a sanction. A convicted person has a duty to take an active part during the execution of a sentence and special criminal sanctions. The duty to take an active part may include work, service beneficial to the community, training, programmes or other measures that are likely to counteract new criminality. In the event of illness or disability the duty to take an active part may cease. In the execution of sentences of imprisonment and special criminal sanctions there shall as far as possible be a gradual transition from imprisonment to complete freedom, and opportunities to participate in leisure activities shall also be provided". Article 4 on administrative cooperation states: "The Correctional Service shall by engaging in cooperation with other public services arrange for convicted persons and persons in custody on remand to receive the services to which they are statutorily entitled. Such cooperation shall lead to a coordinated effort to supply the needs of convicted persons and persons in custody on remand and to assist them to adjust to society".
Does re-socialisation activities include spiritual care in prison, or is it separate?There is no specific definition for re-socialisation activities so the spiritual care that is provided cannot be seen as either included or not. It is important to note that the Norwegian Correction Service is organised after “the import model'. This means that prisons do not have their own staff delivering for example clerical, medical, educational, employment and library services. These are imported from the local community.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out before the re-socialisation plan for an inmate is developed?The Correctional Service of Norway does not employ a standardised risk-need assessment instrument. Individual plans are developed based on different types of clinical information and adjusted as they go. In addition, a standardised needs-resources assessment instrument is used, developed on the basis of both risk-need-responsivity models and desistance-oriented approaches. This instrument does not provide information on risk-levels or quantifies criminogenic factors, but serves to provide case-workers and contact officers with relevant referral information. This instrument is used at the start of the sentence and forms a large part of the basis for the individual re-socialisation plan. A conversation prior to an inmate's release is also conducted as part of the re-socialisation process.
If yes, how soon after being placed in prison is the risk and needs assessment carried out and when is it carried out repeatedly?The needs-resources assessment referred to above is carried out as early as possible in the sentence. It may be repeated in relevant parts when changes have occurred in the offenders’ life circumstances or sentence process, for example to get an overview of the situation before release.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out for both the arrested and convicted prisoners?No, for the time being the needs-resources assessment is only carried out with convicted persons – both prisoners and those on a community sentence. Development of a version for persons on remand is being considered.
Re-socialization, or prisoner re-integration back into the community, was discussed and outlined in the SPS Organisational Review 2013
Is prisoner re-socialisation considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment?Keeping prisoners in custody, caring for them humanely and creating a stable and orderly environment in which people can live, work and grow safely remains essential to what SPS does. However, whilst fundamental to operations, these aims are no longer considered SPS’ sole raison d’être. In recent years, SPS’ approach to reducing reoffending has been centred on the identification and management of social and psychological deficits within the prisoner population. Emerging research, both in the fields of prisons and desistance (as well as in related disciplines such as public health), points to the importance of a more forward looking, positive view that concentrates on the strengths and potential of individuals and cultivates the assets found within families, social networks and communities to sustain effective change. Adopting an asset-based approach and increasing collaboration and integration has implications for the leadership, culture, values, training, development and core skills of all within SPS. Developing, professionalising and skilling SPS people is central to the transformational change envisaged for the Service.
Is re-socialisation divided into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities?A key element in delivering the SPS vision is shifting our ethos from one that views addressing the deficits identified through a risk, needs and responsivity approach as the ultimate aim of efforts to reducing reoffending, to regarding this as one facet of a more holistic and person centred approach that supports personal development and builds resilience alongside strengthening positive networks, supports and resources in the community.
Are the social rehabilitation activities in prisons the same for arrested and convicted persons?Untried remand prisoners, because of their unconvicted status, do not have access to offender behaviour programmes, but do have access to a range of health and social services to support their needs during their pre-trial period in detention.
Does re-socialisation activities include spiritual care in prison, or is it separate?Spiritual care is available to all prisoners who seek it and is considered part of the re-socialisation process.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out before the re-socialisation plan for an inmate is developed?The Integrated Case Management (ICM) process assesses the risks and needs of an individual and develops a Community Integration Plan (CIP) to assist community re-entry.
If yes, how soon after being placed in prison is the risk and needs assessment carried out and when is it carried out repeatedly?This would be determined by sentence length and an initial Core Screen assessment with 72 hours of reception.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out for both the arrested and convicted prisoners?The Integrated Case Management system applies only to convicted prisoners.
According to the Law on Enforcement of Prison Sentences, the main purpose of a sentence is, with humane treatment and respect for the dignity of the person who is serving a prison sentence, his training for life in freedom in accordance with the law and social rules. (Article 2, Law on Enforcement of Prison Sentences).
Is prisoner re-socialisation considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment?According to the Law on Enforcement of Prison Sentences, prisoner re-socialization is considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment. Cited Act was adopted in 1999. On several occasions, the law is amended, but the rehabilitation concept has remained unchanged. This concept was stipulated in Croatian law from 1969. The laws pertaining to the area of execution of sentence, which were previously in force in the Republic of Croatia (since 1969, when the responsibility for the execution of the prison sentence was by the Ministry of Interior transferred to the Ministry of Justice), re-socialization also were as the main purpose of serving prison sentence. For instance, article 12 of previous Act of the execution of criminal sanctions provides: "The purpose of execution of sentence of imprisonment (prisons, harsh imprisonment and juvenile prison) is to enable sentenced persons to return to the freedom of live and behave in accordance with the law and fulfill the duties of citizens’ socialist community. Appropriate contemporary educational, correctional, medical, social and other measures for this purpose apply to convicted persons. ".
Is re-socialisation divided into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities?The execution of prison sentence is based on a rehabilitation approach, which assumes the individualization of sentence through the individual program of enforcement of prison sentence. That individual program includes participation in the general programs, such as education, work, leisure activities and pastoral care and also a variety of specialized treatment programs for specific groups prisoners, such as people with addiction problems (alcohol, drugs, gambling), people with psychiatric problems, the perpetrators of sexual misconduct, the perpetrators of criminal acts with elements of violence and violent prisoners, perpetrators of criminal acts in the field of transport, as well as educational and development programs, such as the program of responsible parenthood ( "Prisoner as a parent") and social skills training. Individual programs also including activities of preparation for post penal period, including support of family relations, co-operation with the Centre for Social Welfare, and sometimes with the Employment Service and the future employer of prisoners and, if necessary, with the Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Prevention due to continued treatment at freedom.
Are the social rehabilitation activities in prisons the same for arrested and convicted persons?The investigating judge is responsible for all activities relating to the persons with the measure of remand (arrested persons). Prison Administration cannot on its own initiative participate in the activities of social rehabilitation of this category of prisoners.
Does re-socialisation activities include spiritual care in prison, or is it separate?Pastoral care is separate and carried out in accordance with interest and needs expressed by prisoners.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out before the re-socialisation plan for an inmate is developed?All prisoners who have been sentenced on sentence longer than 6 months or if the remaining part of sentence after their pretrial detention is longer than 6 months, are at the beginning of their sentence referred to the Center for Diagnostics in Zagreb. The Center for diagnostics in Zagreb carried out comprehensive interdisciplinary (social, criminological, psychological and medical) teamwork diagnostic procedure of the current situation of prisoners; determine the characteristics and conditions that are directly or indirectly related to criminal offenses or criminal behavior in general and propose facilities, procedures and policies whose application can help an inmate to live in accordance with the law after release. The diagnostic procedure of each prisoner is made by team consisting of social worker, lawyer, psychologist and medical doctor. Assessment team also takes into account the observations of professional advisors for treatment, judicial police and other officials of the Diagnostic Center who are in contact with prisoner. Based on all the collected data and risk and needs assessment of each prisoner, the individual program of enforcement of sentence is proposed. Diagnostic team also proposes type of penal institution in which the prisoner will continue his sentence, according security requirements needed (closed, semi open or open). Prisoner stays about 30 days at the Center for diagnostics. (More details about Center for diagnostics you can get from PPT per request on [email protected])
If yes, how soon after being placed in prison is the risk and needs assessment carried out and when is it carried out repeatedly?As already stated above, the assessment of specific needs and risks of prisoners carried out at the beginning of the sentence at the Center for Diagnostics in Zagreb. Based on the proposal of the individual program from Center for diagnostics; penitentiary carried out more operationalized and detailed individual program of enforcement of prison sentence. Individual program consists of pedagogical, working, medical, psychological, social and safety procedures appropriate to the characteristics and needs of prisoners and the type and conditions of a prison. The individual program of serving sentences is reviewed every 3 or 6 months (depending on the length of sentence) by an expert team and the warden of the prison. For long prison sentences, when decide about benefits, changes in security requirements or parole, inmate can be referred back to the diagnostic assessment in the Diagnostic Centre in Zagreb.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out for both the arrested and convicted prisoners?During the pretrial detention period, the court may request the opinion on prisoner from the Probation Service, which may apply instrument for the assessment of risks and needs ("Offender Assessment System"). The instrument was developed through an EU Project, by adapting the British "OASys" for Croatian conditions.
The IPS Psychology Service provide offence focused and mental health interventions within the prison environment to enhance resocialisation and ultimately safer communities. Where appropriate, the Service will provide short term support to someone leaving custody as they readjust to their community environment, typically in conjunction with a community partner such as The Probation Service. Prison Rules 2007 - Rule 113 covers the functions of the Psychology Service
Is prisoner re-socialisation considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment?Remand Prisoners have access to the Incentivised Regimes Programme and all other rehabilitative activities such as work, education and training within each Irish prison with the exception of the Integrated Sentence Management Programme which caters for convicted persons serving a sentence of one year or more. The Prison Rules, 2007 Rule 72 provides that (1) An un-convicted prisoner may, with the consent of the Governor, engage in authorised structured activity, but shall not be required to engage in such activity, (2) An un-convicted prisoner may with the prior approval of the Governor, participate with convicted prisoners in such authorise structured activity as the Governor may determine at such times as he or she may determine, (3) The Governor may , in so far as is practicable and subject to the maintenance of good order and safe and secure custody, and recoupment of any additional costs involved, arrange for the provision of such facilities as he or she considers appropriate to an un-convicted prisoner to enable him or her to engage in his or her normal trade or employment.
Is re-socialisation divided into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities?“Resocialisation” is not explicitly defined in Irish prison laws or regulations. However, “rehabilitation” is a key element of the mission of the Irish Prison Service: “Providing safe and secure custody, dignity of care and rehabilitation to prisoners for safer communities “ (www.irishprisons.ie)
Are the social rehabilitation activities in prisons the same for arrested and convicted persons?“Resocialisation” is not explicitly defined in Irish prison laws or regulations. The term “rehabilitation” is used (but not defined) in the Irish Prison Rules (2007), for example the duties of a Prison Officer include that a prison officer shall at all times conduct himself or herself and perform his or her functions in such a manner as to contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration into the community and general welfare of prisoners (rule 85(1)(3)(c)(iv)
Does re-socialisation activities include spiritual care in prison, or is it separate?Yes. The Irish Prison Service (IPS) mission statement is to provide safe, secure and humane custody for people who are sent to prison. Chaplains have a crucial supporting role in prison life by providing pastoral and spiritual care to any prisoners who wish to avail of the service. The IPS regards the Chaplaincy as an essential service, making a significant contribution as part of the multi-disciplinary team in a prison, addressing the physical, social and spiritual needs of prisoners in a holistic way. Prison chaplains can offer a comforting and supportive presence to prisoners and their family members as they face many personal challenges within a prison environment and at particular times of crisis which include, inter alia, when a person dies in prison or hospital while in the custody of the Irish Prison Service; when a person in custody is coping with a terminal or life-threatening illness or following a serious cardiac event; and when a person in custody is coping with the death of a loved one. The Chaplaincy Service offers a one-to-one support system and arranges bereavement support groups, counselling and courses in consultation with other services. The Chaplaincy Service is independent and professional, while working as part of the prison multi-disciplinary team reporting to the Governor. Chaplains are respectful of and seek to meet the needs of prisoners from all belief systems and co-operate with visiting pastors representing all faiths.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out before the re-socialisation plan for an inmate is developed?Where an individual is referred to the IPS Psychology Service for offence focused work, a strengths, needs and risk assessment is carried out to inform the appropriate intervention pathway. When appropriate, i.e. closer to release, this may inform a re-socialisation plan.
If yes, how soon after being placed in prison is the risk and needs assessment carried out and when is it carried out repeatedly?A strengths, needs and risk (SNR) assessment is completed following referral to the IPS Psychology Service for offence focused work. Where resources allow, it is anticipated that the IPS Psychology Service will support the completion of SNR assessments for young people in custody (aged 18 - 24) soon after conviction and sentencing from September 2016.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out for both the arrested and convicted prisoners?The IPS Psychology Service provide SNR assessments for those referred to the Service who are convicted of an offence and are serving a custodial sentence.
Social rehabilitation activities in Dutch prisons focuses on five primary objectives, namely 1. identity card /passport; 2. housing/shelter; 3. work/income; 4. debt (restructuring); 5. trough care and healthcare Insurance. Education and training is offered to increase employment opportunities and to raise self-reliance, e.g. lessons budgeting, personal care, hygiene and nutritional advice. Activities aiming at social behavior correction are mainly imposed under the framework of suspended sentences. These activities are mostly provided by probation services.
Is prisoner re-socialisation considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment?Re-socialisation activities are evenly available for arrested and convicted detainees, but an exception is made for those who have withdrawn form the execution of their sentence and those with a revocation of a suspended sentence (after violation of terms). These persons do not qualify for re-socialisation in the first four weeks of their confinement. Re-socialisation programs are available for long term prisoners. These programs include minimum-security facilities, external activities and –near the release date- external stay in combination with an ankle bracelet. These programs are only open to persons sentenced to unconditional imprisonment, with a minimum of six months. The remainder of their sentences must be at least four weeks and no more than a year.
Is re-socialisation divided into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities?Retribution and re-socialisation are the two main objectives of the Dutch Penal Code, which has been overhauled and restructured in 1998. In recent years more emphasis is placed on self-reliance and the own responsibility of detainees regarding their successful rehabilitation. As from March 2013 a system of promotion and degradation was introduced. Since then prisoners have to qualify for a so called ‘Plus-regime’ by showing they are willing to change and to stop criminal behavior. Prisoners do this by participating in education and trainings and also by showing correct behavior. The Plus-regimes gives access to more hours outside of the cell and better qualified jobs.
Are the social rehabilitation activities in prisons the same for arrested and convicted persons?Article 2.2 of the Dutch Penal Code states: While upholding the character of the imprisonment or the custodial measures the execution is as much as possible and dependant on the behaviour of the person involved, made servient to the preparation of the return to society. Since 2009 the re-socialisation goals have been re-inforced and elaborated by the Ministry of Safety and Justice and the umbrella/interest organisation for Dutch municipalities (VNG). The goals as well as the division of tasks and responsibilities have been laid down in a covenant, which is supported by a helping hand-document.
Does re-socialisation activities include spiritual care in prison, or is it separate?Spiritual care is not fully integrated in the re-socialisation activities. Nonetheless, spiritual care may take on forms of re-socialisation when detainees ask for guidance on the matter. Spiritual caretakers can utilize their networks. This form of support is therefore appealing to detainees. Within the boundaries of their professional secrecy the spiritual caretakers are asked to report the re-socialisation needs of detainees.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out before the re-socialisation plan for an inmate is developed?A risk and needs assessment precedes the composition of a resocialization plan.
If yes, how soon after being placed in prison is the risk and needs assessment carried out and when is it carried out repeatedly?A re-socialisation plan is drawn up within ten weekdays. This plan focuses on five primary objectives, as mentioned above. The progress on the five objectives is reviewed with the detainee regularly. If indicated the probation and pretrial services can estimate the risk of recidivism by using a structured risk assessment.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out for both the arrested and convicted prisoners?Yes
According with Section 61.1 of The Sentence Execution Code of Latvia, “Correction of the social behaviour of convicted persons sentenced with deprivation of liberty (hereinafter – correction of the social behaviour of convicted persons) is an aggregate of measures implemented within the scope of execution of the deprivation of liberty punishment in order to promote lawful behaviour of the convicted person and to prevent the causes of unlawful behaviour. Social rehabilitation of convicted persons sentenced with deprivation of liberty (hereinafter – social rehabilitation of convicted persons) is an aggregate of measures implemented within the scope of execution of the deprivation of liberty punishment so that the convicted person would maintain or acquire social skills, vocational or general knowledge and skills. The social rehabilitation of convicted persons stipulated in this Code shall not involve providing of the social services and social assistance laid down in laws and regulations.
Is prisoner re-socialisation considered as one of the most important objectives of the punishment?Yes, they are the same; the only exception is that the arrested persons are not involved in social behaviour correction actions.
Is re-socialisation divided into social rehabilitation and social behaviour correction activities?According with Section 8 of The Sentence Execution Code of Latvia, “The purpose of the execution of punishment is to apply all the provisions of the execution of a punishment laid down in this Code to the convicted person, thereby ensuring the resocialisation of the person and his or her lawful behaviour after execution of the punishment.”
Are the social rehabilitation activities in prisons the same for arrested and convicted persons?According with Section 61.1 of The Sentence Execution Code of Latvia, “The process of resocialisation of convicted persons sentenced with deprivation of liberty (hereinafter – resocialisation of convicted persons) is an aggregate of social behaviour correction and social rehabilitation measures aimed at promoting lawful behaviour of the convicted person and forming his or her understanding of socially positive values.”
Does re-socialisation activities include spiritual care in prison, or is it separate?It is separate.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out before the re-socialisation plan for an inmate is developed?Yes
If yes, how soon after being placed in prison is the risk and needs assessment carried out and when is it carried out repeatedly?In two months after being admitted to prison, the risk and needs assessment of the inmate must be carried out. Repeated risk and needs assessment of the inmate is carried out no less than once a year during the whole sentence execution. According to the results of the risk and needs assessment, amendments to the inmate’s resocialisation plan are carried out.
Is the risk and needs assessment carried out for both the arrested and convicted prisoners?Only for convicted persons.