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Introduction: As part of rehabilitation activities, psychosocial support and intervention programmes are carried out by psychosocial service experts, including psychologists and social workers. Their methods are to give individual interviews and provide group therapies in prisons. By carrying out psychosocial activities more effectively and efficiently, the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses Turkey, would like to collect the following information from international colleagues.
No fixed standards are considered for an interview room in terms of concrete square meters. However, an individual interview room should guarantee privacy and should provide room enough for a conversation between two people, at least. Natural light is recommended, also a table and suitable chairs. Ventilation system (air conditioning) is recommended as well.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?Taking into consideration previous answer, a group therapy room must be bigger, indeed. In this case, since more people will meet together, ventilation system is more than recommended, in order to guarantee clean air. Privacy should be also provided.
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?Psychologist in prison are in charge of leading interventions aimed at reintegration into society. Such interventions are usually related to specific criminal typologies and consider concrete criminogenic needs. Several types of assessment are usually carried out, aimed at detecting risk levels, for instance. Social workers, on the other hand, are in charge of reaching individual needs in terms of family relationships, also taking into account public aid networks for the inmate.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?Ethic standards are described in the Deontological Code, valid for all professionals in the prison. This Code addresses several aspects, focusing on how work must be carried out: what is allowed and what is not. Document is attached.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?It depends on the situation: interviews in close units are usually monitored by prison officers in order to avoid any incident (providing privacy in all cases). In the rest of cases, security measures lie in the permanent observation of such officers and their availability.
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In the Danish Prison and Probation Services only few psychologists are employed. 5-6 psychologists work in the specialized treatment and detention prison Herstedvester, providing individual psychological treatment, risk assessment and psychological tests. Persons incarcerated in other Danish prisons - and clients under probation - can be considered for referral to outpatient psychological treatment if their mental condition demands treatment. Social workers and prison officers provide psychosocial support and intervention programs in Danish prisons, and are instructing correctional programs. Correctional programs present 1 % of reintegration activities, while education and work-opportunities are provided in all Danish prisons. Social workers perform risk assessment and establish an individualized plan of activities in cooperation with each prisoner.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?The ethical standards for psychologist and social workers in the Danish Prison and Probation Services do not differ from the ethical standards these professions are subject to in society.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?In individual interviews and group therapy prisoners’ confidentiality is protected, thus there are no prison officers present, unless a prison officer is the program instructor. Security measures are considered in risk assessment, and can lead to a prisoner not being offered to attend a group program.
The room must provide enough privacy for confidential face-to-face interview and resemble as much as possible a similar setting for individual rehabilitative / therapeutic practices as outside prison in civil / public services for these purposes (normality principle). They should be calm and separate from other activities with adequate equipment for client work. Interior design (like furniture) should support the setting described.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?Group therapy rooms (like for program work) should be suitable for confidential work, they should be calm and separate from other activities, adequate equipment (writing equipment, computer, flip charts etc.). Chairs and furniture are taken into account in such a way that the space is pleasant, calm and deviates from other spaces in the cell or compartment.
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?Psychologist’s work includes individual rehabilitative / therapeutic discussions, group therapies, intervention program work and giving consultation to other workers responsible for rehabilitative practices. Psychologist's work includes both rehabilitative work (including interventions for aggressive behavior and criminal thinking) to affect recidivism as well as healthcare related work (mental health issues, personality disorders). Social worker assists the prisoner in obtaining and safeguarding financial benefits documents including preparations for the release. Social workers cooperate with the social work of the municipality and with child protection. They support the prisoner in prison’s everyday life with individual conversations and network collaboration. Social work in prison is to support the overall life situation and everyday skills of a prisoner. Social workers are often also responsible for rehabilitative program work and child and family work.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?Psychologists follow the regulations of prison workers in general (in law) and their own professional ethics given by the Finnish Psychological Association. Psychologists as health care professionals are also supervised by the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health. Psychologists professional ethics requires professional confidentiality / secrecy also in prison work with only certain exceptions. Social workers are guided by the same rules and laws governing the professional social welfare work as in civil society. Confidentiality and reporting child welfare notifications are necessary, as well as giving necessary statements for civil services / officials.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?In individual interviews and group therapies staff members carry personal alarms with them. If these arrangements aren’t enough in individual interviews considering the potential dangerousness of the situation, other security measures can be taken but it must not endanger the confidentiality of the interview. In both individual and group therapy rooms account should also be taken of the exit routes or otherwise the placement of furniture, so that the employee can enter the room easily in case of danger.
The Prison and Probation Service does not have a definite standard for an individual interview room. The rooms are either actual conversation rooms for the purpose or an office with table and chairs and with room for 2-3 people. In the rooms, e.g. interviews at the reception of the inmate and action plan interviews etc. takes place. When planning new prisons, the Danish Prison and Probation Service plans a size of approx. 15 square meters.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?The Prison and Probation Service does not have a definite standard for a group therapy room. The rooms vary in size, decor and character in the different institutions and they are used for group programs (correctional programs), which consist of learning elements in a safe base. The aim is therefore to use the same space each time for the purpose. The rooms must be able to handle groups from 3-4 to 8-10 people plus one or two instructors. When planning new prisons, the Danish Prison and Probation Service plans a size of approx. 30 square meters.
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker? What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers? What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?Currently, we do not have standardised material, technical and spatial equipment of rooms intended for individual interviews with specialist staff. Usually, it is the office of a psychologist, social worker, case manager that is equipped with office furniture, computer technique, telephone, multifunctional device (printer, scanner), armchairs and coffee table.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?Currently, we do not have standardised material, technical and spatial equipment of rooms intended for group activities. The except for the standards of multifunctional rooms established within the exist units – these rooms are equipped with tables, chairs, interactive board, sleeping pads, CD player, TV.
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?The aim of psychological activities carried out by psychologists is: to determine the prognosis of risk behaviour of accused and convicted persons; to identify criminogenic risks and needs of convicts; to reduce adverse effects of the prison environment on accused and convicted persons; to influence behaviour and personality of accused and convicted persons. Psychologists participate also in the selection of suitable applicants for service and in maintenance and control of the mental health of prison officers and civil employees of the Corps. Social work in the execution of pre-trial detention and prison sentence is aimed and coordinated activity focused mainly on a) searching for causes of social problems of the convict, which gave rise to the crime or whose existence means a risk factor of the resocialisation prognosis; b) information assistance, support, accompanying and counselling the accused and convicted person; c) preparation for a proper life after being released from remand prison or prison.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?In the Corps of Prison and Court Guard, we have the Code of Ethics for Prison Officer and Civil Employee, that also applies to psychologists and social workers of the Corps. Additional professional requirements in the field of continuing education of psychologists and social workers are stated in internal regulations, respectively the generally binding rules regulating the provision of psychological activities and social work in the civil conditions.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?Psychologists and social workers of the Corps are internal staff and therefore they shall undergo initial and continuing education. The content of this education also includes security preparation (training). It follows from above that individual interviews and group therapies are usually performed independently (without the presence of prison staff ensuring internal security). Exceptionally, someone from the security prison staff can by present there (based on assessment of the security risk) in case of external collaborators of the Corps who realise the selected special-pedagogical, psychological or intervention programs on the basis of the contract with prison.
No established standards for the rooms. An individual interview room should be comfortable enough and ensure psychological security and confidentiality. All rooms have emergency call buttons to prevent possible assault.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?see above
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?Psychologists perform primary psychological assessment, consult re. sentence planning, provide guidance on the reduction or management of identified criminogenic needs, diagnose suicidal risk, give individual consultations, implement group intervention (programs), are involved in identifying the risk of re-offending, provide recommendations on specific detention conditions and ensure methodological support to staff. Social workers are focused on providing social support, handling of household and social issues, ensuring occupation and preparation for release.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?Both psychologists and social workers follow the international ethics standards as well as requirements and principles set forth in the national legislation.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?see above
Individual consultations with a psychologist A prisoner shall submit an oral or written application to the prison administration with a request to provide him or her with an individual psychological consultation. The application is registered and handed over to a specialist who plans a consultation for prisoner in his/her work schedule. On the appointed day, the prisoner is offered to attend an individual consultation with a psychologist. The consultation takes place in a separate room, where only the specialist and the client are located. When a prisoner comes to a psychologist, it is clarified what problem or issue he/she would like to solve, a decision is made on the purpose of consultation, the estimated number of consultations is discussed to achieve the set goal, after which the work on problem solving begins. At the end of the consultation, there is usually an agreement on the next day and time of the consultation, or there is an agreement that the prisoner will apply again for the specialist consultation when he or she needs it. Individual consultations with a social worker Individual consultations of a social worker are mostly organized on the basis of a prisoner’s application which envisages the solution of inmate’s social problems, taking into account the consequences of imprisonment (improvement, renewal and acquisition of social skills, provision of information on social services and social assistance possibilities after release from the custodial institution, processing of identity documents). Individual consultations of a senior inspector The individual consultations of a senior inspector are organized on the basis of the application of a prisoner, or with the consent of the prisoner, in order to ascertain the motivation of the inmate to support, encourage progress towards the goal of resocialization. With regard to detainees who have not entered into force a court judgement (the person has not been found guilty of the crime charged against him/her), the above-mentioned resocialisation specialists, when performing individual work, place the main focus on social rehabilitation measures - general, vocational and interest education, educational activities and employment, as well as psychological care, taking into account the criminal offense charged, if the detainee agrees.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?According with the normative acts, currently in Latvia the profession “psychotherapist” is regulated and can be practiced only by a doctor who has obtained the qualification of a psychotherapist and a certificate of the Latvian Medical Association. Thus, in any other case, there is no legal basis for the use of the term 'psychotherapist'. There are no psychotherapists among the staff of Latvian prisons. Consequently, no specialist of the Resocialization Department has the right to perform psychotherapy or group therapy activities. However, there is a wide range of resocialization programs in Latvian prisons. Prisoners have the opportunity to regularly participate in the resocialisation program group activities. Participation in the activities of the group of resocialization programs is provided to prisoners in accordance with their current risks, which need to be reduced, and individual needs, which the specialists of the Resocialization Department identify during the risk and needs assessment, as well as individual work with each prisoner. A prisoner shall submit an oral or written application to the prison administration with a request to be involved in the specific resocialisation program. A group is formed of prisoners who have applied to be involved in the program group activities. A schedule of group activities is set (day and time when the activities will take place).
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?The following requirements are included in the job description of a psychologist: • to provide psychological consulting to prisoners (individually and in groups) at the request of the prisoner or the prison administration; • to provide first psychological assistance in cases of attempted suicide and crises, to develop a plan for work with a prisoner who has attempted suicide or is in a state of crisis, to prepare an assessment of the psychological condition of a prisoner; applying safe psychological testing methods to perform psychological testing of prisoners, processing and interpretation of its results and to compile a psychological assessment of the prisoner in order to provide the necessary recommendations at the request of the prison administration; • to participate in the preparation of an assessment of the risks and needs of prisoners and in the preparation of resocialisation (sentence enforcement measures) plans, evaluation of the implementation of plans and correction of plans in the field of psychological care, in co-operation with other officials and employees. The following requirements are included in the job description of a social worker: • organizes and manages measures for the renewal, improvement and acquisition of new skills of prisoners' social skills; conducts group activities for prisoners within the framework of resocialization programs; • uses individual and group work methods in work with prisoners, applying various theories of social work; assesses the risks and needs of the prisoner within the competence, participates in the preparation and implementation of the resocialization plan; • prepare the inmates for release: • inform inmates about the possibilities of receiving social services and social assistance after release from prison; • helps - to restore contact with relatives; in obtaining identity documents; old age / disability / survivor's pension and other formalities; addressing the issue of residence; • participates in the recruitment of study groups, coordinates the involvement of inmates in general and vocational education activities; organizes and manages social skills’ measures for the improvement, renewal and acquisition of new skills of prisoners; • organizes and participates in the marriage process of prisoners; • within the scope of competence, examines the applications of natural and legal persons in accordance with the procedures specified in the Law on Submissions.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?Professional ethics standards of psychologists • A psychologist shall organize his or her professional work in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Psychologists, this Code of Ethics for Psychologists (hereinafter - the Code) and other normative acts. In his/her professional work, a psychologist observes honesty, objectivity, equality, neutrality and accuracy; does not discriminate, respects the client's individuality and interests, respects and esteems the cultural environment and the goals, values and norms of the organization in which he/she works, understands the specifics of the organization's activities. • The client's cooperation with the psychologist is voluntary. An exception is allowed in accordance with the procedures specified in normative acts, including if the client has been sent under constraint. • The psychologist is responsible for the results of his/her professional activity. The psychologist ensures the confidentiality of all information related to the client. This information is his/her professional secret. The confidential information about the client may be discussed only for professional purposes and only with those persons who are directly involved in solving the client's problem, informing them of the need to observe confidentiality, minimizing the disclosure of the client's identity as much as possible. The resulting materials must be stored in a safe place inaccessible to others, including in compliance with personal data protection requirements. The psychologist should not be subject to any personal, social or organizational influences and factors that may lead to the abusive or illegal use of his knowledge and skills, as well as to the interests of persons who have used the psychologist's professional services. • The psychologist follows and respects the latest scientific achievements, systematically and regularly improves the professional competence, participates in professional working groups, conferences, etc. Professional ethics standards of social workers Professional ethics and related dilemmas in social work practice is one of the most complex and sensitive issues, as it applies to each of us - not only as a professional, but also as a personality. The social worker must be able to skilfully communicate with the client, because the solution, quality and achieved result of the provided service and support depend on it. The cases where there is a need to address certain ethical issues or a specific dilemma require special professional wisdom of the social worker: empathy and the ability to see, to feel the line between personal and professional "Me", as well as to follow the principles of social work. The Latvian Code of Ethics for Social Workers also sets ethics standards in relation to the profession.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?"Alarm button" (stationary or portable), which enables a specialist to send an alarm signal to the assistant officer on duty of Head of the prison (hereinafter – assistant officer) in case of a dangerous situation. Video surveillance in the hallways. The schedules of group activities are coordinated with the Security and Surveillance departments of the prison. The group lists are forwarded to the assistant officer, which enables him to be informed that the group activities are being held on the specified day, time and place of the week, which prisoners attend the activities and to monitor if necessary. The normative acts provide the possibility to exclude a prisoner from the group of the resocialisation program if he/she violates the internal rules of the imprisonment place or the rules of the group during the activities, incl. behaves aggressively. A prisoner may be excluded from participation in the resocialisation program by a written decision of the Head of the prison and the decision is attached to the prisoner's personal file.
There are no specific prescribed standards of an individual interview room. It depends on the type of the prison and on the architectural solutions. For example, in open and semi-open prisons/wards specialist staff perform interviews in their offices, while in closed prison there is usually an interview room on each ward (usually equipped only with a table and two chairs).
What are the standards of a group therapy room?There are no specific prescribed standards of a group therapy room in terms of space or equipment, but the size of a room must be such that chairs are arranged in a circle so that each member can see every other person in the group (usually groups are consisted of 6-12 prisoners and 1-2 specialists/therapists). Equipment may differ depending on the type of the programme, but usually flip-chart or white board are used, there are a few tables in the back of the room (for working in pairs or small subgroups), and laptop and projector may be ensured if necessary.
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?Jobs in the field of treatment (prisoners’ rehabilitation / resocialization /reinsertion) are divided into general and specialized. The general part refers to: participation in the implementation of special treatment programs, organization and implementation of general treatment programs (education, work, occupational activities, free-time activities) and other activities that support the process of rehabilitation and social reintegration of prisoners and keeping prescribed records of prisoners. The professional part refers to: assessment of criminogenic risks and treatment needs of prisoners, development, implementation, review and evaluation of the achievement of an individual program of the enforcement of the prison sentence, implementation of psychosocial and socio-pedagogical interventions and special programs, implementation of security measures (mandatory alcohol/drug/gambling treatment, mandatory psychosocial treatment of violence) preparation of expert opinions regarding a prisoner. Specialized treatment tasks are performed by specialist staff – psychologists, social pedagogues and social workers.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?Professional ethics standards of the specialist staff in prisons are defined by the a) Code of Ethics for Civil Servants, b) special laws that prescribe content, conditions and manner of performing activity of each of the three professions (psychologists, social pedagogues, social workers) and standard of education, professional supervision over performing activity of each of the three professions, and c) Codes of ethics of each of the three professions.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?Security measures depend on the risk assessment of the prisoner(s). As a rule, during the individual and group treatment (therapy) only the prisoner(s) and specialist staff are in the room, while uniformed officer may only be located in front of the room (with closed doors or exceptionally with a window allowing visual overview). Exceptionally, in the case of a dangerous offenders, individual interview may be conducted in the presence of uniformed staff (psychosocial treatment usually would not be applied in such case, but only an interview / risk assessment / counselling / short psychosocial interventions). High risk offenders - who pose high risk to staff and/or other prisoners, are not involved in group therapy.
There are no formal standards for an interview room.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?There are no formal standards for a group therapy room
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?The job description for a registered psychologist is attached. We have several grades of psychologist. HMPPS do not directly employ social workers.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?The Health and Care Professions Council regulates psychologists and social workers. Their standards can be found at https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?Prior to any interview/group session staff will review to see if any risk is apparent to themselves/other groups members. All interview rooms and group rooms should either have an alarm bell or staff will have radio/whistle Interview rooms and group rooms are monitored by any patrol staff Where concerns arise, prison officers may be placed near to/inside the room. Other security procedures will be in place for those at higher security categories.
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The recommendations regarding equipment in premises where individual treatment programs are conducted within the Swedish prison and probation service (SPPS) consist of measures such as: Table and chairs for client and tutor to enable individual and joint work with writing assignments. Regarding the size of the room, one is recommended that allows the client and tutor to stand up and move around in the room. This to enable variation in the tutorial approach, such as being able to vary written assignments with role play. In addition, the room is recommended to be equipped with a flipchart and/or whiteboard.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?The recommendations regarding premises used for group therapy are essentially the same as those for the individual treatment described above. However, the room need to be larger and accommodate about 8 to 10 participants. The room also need to offer technical means to enable the display of power points and movies. Due to, the COVID- 19 pandemic and to enable compliance with recommendations for reduced spread of infection the recommendations above have been nuanced to some extent. For instance, treatment programs have and still are carried out online.
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?Conduct motivation and treatment work of clients in groups and individually. Perform qualified risk and needs assessments and conduct supervision with staff. Collaborate with other staff within the business area. Give advice and information. Analyze and evaluate different action options and methods. Requires creative and analytical skills to solve complicated problems.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?•Respect for the clients rights and dignity. The professional should not in any way violate, exploit or oppress the individual. •The professional should strive to develop and to maintain a high level of professional competence in their work. •The professional has a scientific responsibility in front of his/her clients and to the organization and society. •Clarify the role as a professional, show integrity and behave honestly, impartially and be respectful of others.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?Safety is an essential foundation for employees and clients to feel secure and enable focus on relapse prevention. Security can be described by four parts that creates the basis for security in the SPPS, including the individual interviews and group therapies conducted within the authority. The four parts are briefly described below and consists of governing documents, approaches and treatment, accessible and trained staff, physical and technical security and the process of placement. Governing documents concerns employees following the governing documents and decisions that apply to the authority. The governing documents must be clear, legally secure and easy to interpret, implemented and constitute a support in the daily work. Employees need to have an approach that creates healthy and balanced relationships with clients. The dynamic approach constitutes a base for client-oriented work. The basis for this work shall be the client´s individual plan preparing the client for release (offered to all of our clients), and measures for relapse prevention in collaboration with updated safety assessments. Accessible and trained staff, employees need to have the right training and the right qualifications for their task assignments. Employees have to be where the clients are and work with a good attitude. Focus need to be on equal treatment and a high level of safety awareness. A good physical safe environment is the basis for physical and technical safety. The physical security must be adapted to the decided security level for each institution or probation within the authority. Technical solutions need to contribute to a safer and more secure environment for employees, clients and visitors. Regarding security measures during individual interviews and group therapies, the physical and technical security may for instance include a security perspective in the choice and placement of furniture as well as installation of alarm systems. Finally, the placement of the client in the right security class and in the right institution is another important prerequisite for achieving a safe environment for both staff and clients. Relocations due to security reasons are an important part of this.
There are no specific dimensions or standards defined in regulations. The surface area and dimensions of rooms and spaces are determined, on the one hand, according to the category of inmates and the capacity of the prison and, on the other hand, according to the number of persons who will use the rooms and, if necessary, the equipment to be provided.
What are the standards of a group therapy room?There are no specific dimensions or standards defined in regulations. The surface area and dimensions of rooms and spaces are determined, on the one hand, according to the category of inmates and the capacity of the prison and, on the other hand, according to the number of persons who will use the rooms and, if necessary, the equipment to be provided.
What is the job description of a psychologist and a social worker?See attachments.
What are the professional ethics standards of psychologists and social workers?There is a code of conduct applicable to all personnel working in the prison service. Psychologist have to be registred with the Commission of Psychologists on a national level and they have to respect a specific code of deontology.
What are the security measures during individual interviews and group therapies?We have an alarm system and when deemed necessary a prison officer can be present just outside the therapy or interview room. We don’t do interviews or therapy sessions in the presence of non-service staff. There are no prison guards or other categories of staff present during therapy sessions. Normally rooms for groups sessions have windowsso that staff can look in form the outside and or hallway but can’t hear what is being said in the room.
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