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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: The RAN PRISONS working group will have an online event on ‘’Chaplaincy (imams and other religious counselors) and dealing with religion in prison’’. That is why, RAN Prisons would love to receive answers to the questions below from practitioners working in prison with religious counseling or training courses for prison staff on the topic of dealing with religion. Due to urgency of the request, the deadline to answer the questions is shortened.
Yes, spiritual assistance is guaranteed, being a right for inmates contemplated in Spanish Law. Representatives of all religions are allowed, after completing an official application process carried out by the General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions. Some examples of religious representatives in spanish prisons are catholic, evangelist or muslim ones, for instance.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?Religious entities are responsable for their services and proceedings, including financing issues. Chaplains and representatives must follow Prison Rules and Directives on the matter, being welcome once their request is approved by the General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Chaplains and representatives have a key role in the spiritual support of inmates, exclusively. Disengagement interventions and rehabilitation initiatives are delivered by prison staff (psychologists, mainly), not being responsability of chaplains. Spanish approach for radicalized inmates is focused on the disengagement of violent and extremist behaviour. Religion practice is allowed, as it is not related to the entry into prison. No training for imamms, chaplains or caregivers is scheduled by the General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions. Their role is focused on the religious issue according to their goals. Rehabilitation initiatives are delivered by prison staff.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?Religious care is systematically organised. Entities, whoever they are, follow a specific acceptance process: firstly, they must be officially recognized (religious sects are avoided); secondly, their assistance proposal is studied; and thirdly, criminal record certificate is requested (as in many other working settings) before being finally accepted. Their activity in prison is always expected to be delivered under Penitentuary Law and Prison Rules.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?Training for prison staff is understood in a broad sense and delivered on a regular basis. Such training courses are focused on the management of inmates and how to cope with particular situations that arise in the daily practice. How to deal with particular inmates (violent extremist offenders, for instance), the support provided by NGOs or religious representatives and/or the understanding of specific roles is also addressed. No concrete training to deal with religion or caregivers is expected, so far.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.One of the lessons learnt is how religion can provide a protective network for some inmates. In this regard, religious representatives, under certain conditions, are often viewed as really helpful instruments to overcome difficult situations. Thus, even altough their role cannot be compared with prison staff, their assistance is truly recognized as something valuable.
3.4.4 Prisoners are able to practice the religion or belief of their choice and to receive spiritual and pastoral care. 3.4.4.1 Spiritual & Pastoral Care a Staff know how to access chaplaincy services on behalf of prisoners, both routinely and on urgent matters. b Staff refer to the chaplaincy service when a person would benefit from spiritual and pastoral care, emotional support, bereavement care, or requests contact from their own church or faith or belief community, or seeks discussion of matters of belief, faith or religion. c Staff facilitate access to services of worship, belief group meetings, chaplaincy visits and activities. d Staff receive information about their Establishment's chaplaincy services and about opportunities for staff, led by the Establishments Chaplaincy Team, to learn about the work of chaplaincy and the SPS Strategy Framework for Spiritual and Pastoral Care, Religion and Belief. e Staff know how to access the central information SharePoint site for chaplaincy. 3.4.4.2 The Practice of Spiritual & Pastoral Care a On reception an individual's religion or belief is recorded on PR2 should they wish to declare it at this time. b Following their first reception for the current period of custody being served in the prison and during the Induction process every prisoner is seen by a Chaplain as soon as practical. c Chaplains are entitled to meet with a prisoner out of sight and sound except where: • The Chaplain or prisoner concerned requests otherwise: or • The Governor considers it would be prejudicial to the interests of security or safety for an officer not to be present d What a prisoner says to a Chaplain is confidential other than when it is considered necessary to inform staff: • For the maintenance of good order and discipline within the Prison; • In the interests of the safety of any person within the Prison; • For the protection of the health of any person within the Prison. e Chaplains prioritise vulnerable prisoners including those at risk of suicide. first admissions, the bereaved, those with high care needs and those at the end of life. Prisoners in hospital may also be visited, and prisoners who are moved to secure psychiatric hospital remain under the care of SPS Chaplains. f Chaplains take steps to make all staff aware of the Practice Notes on the Role of the Chaplain at the Time of a Death in Custody and use the Chaplaincy Family Support materials developed with the National Suicide Risk Management Group and Families Outside to facilitate their work as the link person between the prison and the family at such a time. g Some religions require the observance of certain death customs. These are respected and, where possible in the Prison environment, facilitated. h Chaplains are to be contacted in the event of a Death in Custody and may wish to spend some time with the deceased to pray or perform a rite, or, where practicable, to make arrangements for an appropriate recognised religious representative to do so. i Chaplaincy, together with Equality & Diversity, can provide advice on particular requirements. j Chaplains are encouraged to engage in the care of prisoners' families, especially at times of trauma or crisis. A person's relationship is viewed as crucial to an individual's wellbeing. It is nonetheless recognised that: • Chaplains liaise with Family Officers and Family Help Hubs and may also engage with family support organisations; • The perspective of the family may differ from that of the prisoner; • Prisoners can pressurise families and families can pressurise prisoners; • Family breakdown can be a source of great distress and family contact is not always appropriate; • In some circumstances family members can be victims of crime and there are circumstances where contact is not appropriate; • Extended Home Leave, preparation for Home Detention Curfew (HDC) and Liberation, can bring added stress. k Chaplains are guided by the Protocols for Marriage and Civil Partnership requests within the Scottish Prison Service when they receive such requests. l Chaplains are available to any member of staff who wishes to discuss matters of a spiritual, pastoral, religious or belief nature. 3.4.4.3 Spiritual & Pastoral Care Resources a Chaplains provide information and resources, including support from religious organisations, belief groups and others, as appropriate, which are aligned with positive change and unlocking potential. 3.4.4.4 Throughcare & Community Integration a Chaplains engage with Churches, Faith Communities and others to encourage community-based support for prisoners and can act as catalysts bringing representatives from the Churches, Faith Communities and others together to develop models of good practice. b Chaplaincy provides information about, and facilities support from, throughcare organisations, liaising with Throughcare Support Officers. 3.4.4.5 Religious or Belief Observance a Prisoners are able to practice their religion or belief without discrimination against them or against prisoners of any religion or belief, or against those with no explicit beliefs. b Prisoners have the opportunity to pray, to read religious texts, to meet other requirements of their religion such as diet, the use of appropriate clothing, items and materials, washing, and to be absented from work on agreed Days of Observance as their religion requires. c Materials reasonably required for a prisoner to exercise their right to practice their religion or belief are permitted, except where there is a reason for these not being permitted as defined by Rule 44(3): • For the maintenance of good order and discipline within the Prison; • In the interests of the safety of any person within the Prison; • For the protection of the health of any person within the Prison. d The Establishment understands the requirements associated with a prisoners religion, belief and practice, including holy days, hygiene, diet etc. In cases of minority religions or beliefs it may be necessary for a Governor to ascertain from the prisoner and in consultation with the local Chaplaincy Team or the Chaplaincy Advisors what their religion or belief involves. 3.4.4.6 Communal Worship or Belief-Group Meeting a Every Prison has a recognised physical location where prisoners of the same religion may gather as a group to worship as their religion requires. b Arrangements for communal worship are communicated clearly. Prisoners are able to meet the needs of their religious life or beliefs by attending the available services of their Faith provided in the Prison unless it is required to restrict these opportunities where it is necessary to do so: • For the maintenance of good order and discipline within the Prison; • In the interests of the safety of any person within the Prison; • For the protection of the health of any person within the Prison. c Access to communal worship shall be arranged for those prisoners wishing to attend, the Prison ensuring sufficient availability of staff for escort and supervision. If necessary, additional measures must be put in place to ensure that all interested prisoners have the opportunity to participate in communal worship. d Where a Prisoner is not in a position to attend communal worship, e.g. when located in the Separation & Re-Integration Unit (SRU) or on Suicide Protection measures, he or she is offered a visit from the Chaplain. e For Belief Groups that do not have the practice or worship there is opportunity provided for those that Belief Group to meet together to discuss their belief. 3.4.4.7 Respect for Religion or Belief or No Religion or No Belief a Prisoners who do not adhere to any religious or Belief Group or who do not wish to practice a religion or belief must not be obliged to do so. b A prisoner shall not be dissuaded from the practice of their religion or belief. It is recognised that some religious or belief representatives bear witness to their Faith or Belief. They must not, however, be permitted to engage in any activity that denigrates a religion or belief or restricts the freedom of a person to make up their own mind about their religion or belief or lack of religion or belief. 3.4.4.8 Interest in Other Religions & Beliefs a There will be provision for a person to change their religion or belief. 3.4.4.9 Qualified Representatives a Communal worship and Belief Group meetings are permitted to be led only by recognised representatives from the relevant Faith or Belief body. b If there are no recognised religious or belief representatives on the Chaplaincy Team of those required by a prisoner's religion or belief the Governor shall consult with the Chaplaincy Team concerning the provision of a visiting recognised religious or belief representative e.g. Rabbi, a Sikh Granthi, a Humanist Minister. c There is a system in place to allow prisoners to request an individual visit from a recognised representative of their religion or belief. A visit of this nature would usually be with a recognised religious or belief representative known to the prisoner, from the prisoner's locality, unless there are valid reasons for this not to be the case. d Where no such contacts are known, Chaplains, in collaboration with the Chaplaincy Advisors, may require to make initial contact with a national link person for the relevant religion or belief. e Visiting recognised religious or Belief representatives are to be appraised of and work in accordance with the SPS Strategy Framework for Spiritual & Pastoral Care, Religion and Belief and engaged according to the Church and Faith or Belief Community Visits Protocol. f The Governor ensures that suitable facilities are available for a prisoner to receive a visit from a recognised representative of their religion or belief, ensuring needs are met for the provision of prayer, confidentiality, privacy and permitted resources except where the provisions of Rule 44(3) & 44(4) apply. g Community based religious or Belief representatives may be invited to participate in the religious or Belief activities of the Prison at the request of the Chaplaincy Team. 3.4.4.10 Balancing Rights a Recognised religious or Belief representatives must be aware of, and comply with, the Prison Rules, regulations and protocols of the Establishment in which they work/visit. b The deprivation of religious or belief rights may not be used as a disciplinary measure or punishment. Prisoners may, if held out of association, be deprived of communal worship, Belief Group meetings or activities with others but not deprived of their religious or belief rights. c It is recognised that there may be circumstances where the right to practice a religion or belief will be restricted. d An individual risk assessment may be required to assess the suitability of some aspects of religious or belief practice in Prison. e The Establishment shall take all reasonable steps to explain the reasons an individual's rights to practice their religion or belief are being restricted.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?Scottish Prison Service
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?See Q1
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?See Q1
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?See Q1
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.See Q1
Yes. There is a Register of the official religious communities provided by Ministry of justice and administration. At the moment, more religious communities are included in the Register, according to some preconditions such as number of members etc. These are Catholic Church, Serbian, Bulgarian and Macedonian Orthodox Church, Islam, Jewish communities and some minor Christian communities. All these communities are allowed to deliver religious and spiritual services for prisoners. Other (registered) religious communities may also be allowed to deliver religious and spiritual services for prisoners, but only with special permission by the Directorate for Prison System and Probation of the Ministry of justice and administration, and for concrete penal institution where there is interest of prisoners.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?There are no chaplains working for the Croatian prison service, but they provide services based on the agreements between Croatian Government and respective religious community. The present form of pastoral care for the prisoners does not create specific costs for the prison service. Nevertheless, each religious community included in the Register receive certain financial amount from the state budget in line with separate contract with each religious community. As Catholicism is the most common religion in Croatia, Catholic caregivers most often come to the penal institutions. Second most often are Serbian orthodox and Islamic caregivers. Religious caregivers most often come to the closed penal institutions, and less often to the semi-closed and open penal institutions, because inmates in those institutions have more opportunities to meet their religious needs outside penal institution (during home-leaves). Also, for Catholics, Serbian Orthodox and Muslims (the most prevalent religions in the country) religious rites are organized from time to time, while for other religions included in the Register, individual contacts with religious caregivers are enabled.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?No. We hadn’t yet faced the challenge of radicalized prisoners in Croatia, so such steps were not taken.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?In line with the Constitution and other relevant regulations, each religious community included in the Register signs separate contract with Republic of Croatia that arranges matters of common interest. These contracts are also a basis for the state's financial support to the religious communities. Religious communities are expected to provide pastoral care for believers in various institutions (penal institutions, health care, social care, army, police etc.) as well as to contribute in the areas of upbringing, education, culture etc.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?No
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.Some prisoners react very positively to the religious activities, so those activities may be good support to general and specific rehabilitation activities (education, work, special rehabilitative programs etc.)
Yes, spiritual assistance is provided for prisoners in all the prison establishments in Northern Ireland. Currently representatives from the following religions deliver religious/spiritual services in all the establishments in Northern Ireland: – Christian faith (Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian, Free Presbyterian, Methodist and Catholic Church) and Muslin faith.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?The Northern Ireland Prison Service contributes to the cost of the provision of religious services for all prison establishments in Northern Ireland. No difference.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?No.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?At committal each prisoner is asked for his/her religious persuasion and offered the services of the Chaplin for that particular faith.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?No specific religious training given to staff, but the Prisoner Development Model employed in NIPS requires each prisoner to have an identified member of staff responsible for developing a prisoner development plan which includes access to pastoral support.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.Inmates, individually or with others, are allowed to practice their religion in the penitentiary establishments. Upon the inmates’ request and with the permission of the prison administration representatives of various religions may be invited to carry out their religious services. Spiritual/ religious support can be provided by all the traditional religious communities and associations existing in Lithuania, which are endorsed by the State and are the complex part of the historical, spiritual and social heritage of Lithuania: Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, Evangelical Reformed, Orthodox, Old Believer, Jewish, Sunni Muslim, and Karaites, as well as other religious communities and associations officially registered in compliance with the procedure established in legislation.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?Religious services to inmates are provided free of charge, but penitentiary establishments may reimburse religious communities and associations for voluntary contribution to the activities of social rehabilitation of inmates as set forth in the Law on Volunteering of the Republic of Lithuania. The Constitution stipulates there is no state religion in Lithuania. All religious communities and associations possessing the rights of a legal entity may get financial support from the state budget allocations to culture, education and charity.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?No
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?Only religious communities and associations, that are duly registered and endorsed by the State, may provide religious care in penitentiary establishments. Penitentiary establishments may involve religious communities and associations in social rehabilitation of inmates by signing the agreement on cooperation.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?Staff is provided trainings in line with the functions they perform
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.One of the success stories proving the importance and value of caregivers’ presence in prison: a Catholic priest used to regularly visit one of the establishments to communicate with/ support a young inmate sentenced to fourteen years for homicide. This inmate has never opened a book in his entire life and no other activity could make less sense than becoming a writer. His religious caregiver not only supported him to make a positive change in life, but also encouraged him to publish his diary-book.
Yes. Seven chaplaincies are represented : - catholic - protestant - orthodox - jewish - muslim - buddhist - Jehovah's witnesses
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?A global annual allocation is given to chaplaincies by prison administration. This allocation allows chaplain's compensation (not remuneration). Chaplaincies don't manage this allocation by themselves. Référence : article 2 de la loi du 9 décembre 1905
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?The answer is no, because chaplaincy's function is to provide a spiritual assistance to inmates. They are responsible for religious service, and individual interviews.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?Chaplains are registered/accredited by prison administration, after a prefectorial survey and on the national chaplain's proposal. There are 3 levels : national chaplain, regional chaplain and local chaplain. Prison administration don't have authority over chaplains, which organize themselves in-house. Chaplain's missions are defined by Code de procédure pénale (Code of criminal procedure). Chaplains are subject to Code de déontologie. Chaplain's functions could be ended : - by the chaplaincy - by the prison administration For 3 reasons : - Age limit (75 years old) - Resignation - In case of incident or trouble
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?Every officer from prison service is trained about laïcité and religion during their training year at ENAP (Ecole Nationale d'Administration Pénitentiaire).
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.In places of imprisonment, access is provided to clergymen from the religious communities registered in the Republic of Bulgaria.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?Clergymen of the religion professed by the predominant number of prisoners serving a sentence in the respective prison may be appointed to full-time positions. Clergymen providing religious care for other prisoners of different faiths cover their own expenses.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Religious persons do not play an official role in the prevention of violent extremism.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?Religious support in places of deprivation of liberty is provided by representatives of the religious communities registered in the Republic of Bulgaria. The spiritual person may meet in private with prisoners. Prisoners may not be forced to participate in religious services and rites. Confessors of different religions have equal rights. the access of religious communities to the places of deprivation of liberty is realized upon presentation of a registration document. Clergymen of different religions may perform regular services and rites and religious visits in groups and individually with prisoners of their religion at an appropriate time, in coordination with the prison administration.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?We do not train prison staff on issues directly related to religion. The training course for penitentiary staff and supervisors includes a training module "Radicalization and Terrorism. Radicalization Process ”, designed to acquaint prison staff with the risks of radicalization, including the religious radicalization.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.Religious care for the Muslims can be cited as an example of good practice in places of detention. For their religious holidays, Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, they are offered specially prepared food and the Mufti's Office (an official institution representing the second largest religion in Bulgaria, Islam) provides them gifts. They have access to satellite TV in their own language. The Mufti's Office holds religious services once a week for the Muslims prisoners.
Yes, spiritual assistance provided for inmates in Estonia. All religions representatatives are allowed
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?State are reponsible for chaplain.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Yes, cahplain are receving training pon P/CVE and have official role.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?Religios care are organised by state and cooperation with churces ( under supervison of Estonian Council of Churches )
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?Yep, in Estonian prisona are very close cooperation between diferent parts of acters. Caplans are working very close with resocialization specialists, psychiatrists, social workers, medivcs and quards
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.In Estonia we are focus on freedom of faith and have very good and unique ecumenical approch and good practice more than 20 years
In order to ensure the right of prisoners for freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, the religious care is provided to prisoners in Latvia. The religious care is ensured by chaplains working in prisons, as well as by clergy of other denominations or religions if prisoners need a clergyman of their faith or they have expressed a wish to receive a religious care, i.e., consultations, counselling, confession from a clergyman of their faith.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?At least one state-paid chaplain works in each Latvian prison as a prison employee (three chaplains work in the two largest prisons, where the number of prisoners is above 1000).
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Chaplains working in prisons have participated in local and international training on deradicalization, prevention and countering of violence.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?The religious care of prisoners has been organized at the state level since 2003, when the position of chaplain was officially introduced in prisons. The work of prison chaplains is coordinated, they periodically participate in various trainings and their work is also supervised.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?All chaplains working in prisons are trained to work with prisoners of different religions. Chaplains advise prison staff on a variety of religious issues. Some prison staff are trained to work with prisoners who consider themselves Muslims.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.There is at least one chaplain in each prison who is also a specialist in various religious matters and who organizes the religious care processes as well as the work of religious organizations in prisons. It shall be emphasized that the prison chaplain organizes religious care to all prisoners, regardless of their religious affiliation. The chaplain is present at all religious events. Prior to the introduction of the chaplain’s position in the period from 1989 to 2003, the prisons were visited by volunteers of various denominations and the religious care work of prisoners was not controlled and coordinated. After the introduction of the chaplain position, the work of religious care in prisons was gradually streamlined and became transparent. Assessing the contribution of the (full-time) chaplains working in the prison, it shall be noted that the chaplain, as a clergyman and as a specialist in religious issues, is an important employee who, by addressing religious issues of prisoners and not only religious ones, can achieve a positive psychological atmosphere in the prison, creating a safe environment for other employees as well. The work and contribution of chaplains is highly evaluated at LPA level, chaplains have also received awards.
Spiritual assistance is offered to all inmates in all prisons in Catalonia. Chaplains and leaders of any religion can offer spiritual assistance where inmates require so.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?The Ministry of Justice of the Government of Catalonia had signed collaboration agreements with the catholic, the protestant and the Islamic communities setting up amongst others, financial contribution by the MoJ in order to provide spiritual assistance on these faiths to inmates. Spiritual assistance by other religions in prisons, do not count on a collaboration agreement with the MoJ.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Formally, chaplains and imams have not been assigned any specific role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism. However, in the framework of the regular coordination with the representatives of the different religious communities, these issues are addressed and an agreement was reached that the chaplains, imams and other religious leaders offering spiritual support or religious assistance to inmates must set a positive example in this respect.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?Every religious community proposes their candidates that should be acting as chaplains, religious leaders or collaborators providing religious support or spiritual assistance to inmates. The prison Administration carries out the criminal record check of the candidates. Once validated, the religious leaders are introduced into a registry so that they are allowed into the prisons that they have been allocated to. With regard to religion practice, every prison has its own specific organisation according to the rooms and schedules available and the number of inmates requiring religious support. Therefore, every prison informs their religious leaders about the schedules, rooms and other conditions for them to provide spiritual assistance to inmates.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?In every prison, there is at least one or more religion contact person who is responsible for the communication and the coordination between the religious leaders, the collaborators and the prison. The contact person liaises also with the prison Administration in particular with the Rehabilitation Service. At the Centre for Legal Studies and Specialised Training (an autonomous administrative body attached to the Ministry of Justice of the Government of Catalonia and its fundamental mission is to plan and organise training for the staff of the MoJ and its different units with the aim of improving the quality of the services provided) regularly organises trainings about religious diversity. The Secretariat of Criminal Sanctions and Victim Support, together with the Directorate General of Religious Affairs, both under the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice, has published a Guide for the Respect of Religious Diversity in Prisons, which is addressed to professionals. This guide, amongst others, describes the main traits of a number of religions and guidelines on how to relate to inmates who practice a religion, religious leaders and collaborators.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.The model for addressing religious diversity in Catalan prisons is defined by the Spanish legal framework: access to religion is a fundamental right that the prison Administration must guarantee and enable. The autonomy of the religious leaders has to be respected. Exchange and collaboration with and among different religious communities, needs to be promoted. The prison administration has to set up strategies and activities in order to foster interreligious dialogue amongst inmates as well as other activities that help inmates acknowledge religious diversity. Please see answers to KMS 130720.
Spiritual assistance provided for inmates is guaranteed by law on the basis of their voluntary request. Each prison facility creates conditions for the provision of spiritual and pastoral service. The spiritual and pastoral service is provided by representatives of the registered churched and religious communities; their list is available on the website (http://www.culture.gov.sk/registrovane-cirkvi-a-nabozenske-spolocnosti-f9.html). Inmates who are interested in unregistered churches and religious communities can practice their religion or belief privately.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?The state is financially responsible for clergymen, as well as for the spiritual and pastoral service. Spiritual and pastoral services are exercised on the basis of the offers and creativity of individual churches and religious communities.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Clergymen and representatives of churches and religious communities fulfil a task in the spiritual life only of those inmates who are interested in their service. In this case, they also play a role in prevention against violent extremism. Trainings on P/ CVE are ensured in the regular expert meetings on the spiritual side. In the future, these can be deepened.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?Religious care is organised on the regular basis and the information about activities is presented in offer sheets.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?Part of the prison spiritual and pastoral service is also voluntary care about prison staff and their relatives. Prison staff cooperates with clergymen and representatives of churches and religious communities when providing spiritual and pastoral service for inmates.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.Based on the applicable practise, it can be stated that spiritual care is an important part of working with inmates. Many prisoners that undergone the rethinking of their life attitudes, have successfully integrated to civil life and they did not return back to prison. Prison clerks aim on meaningfully fulfilment of the time that inmates spend in prison, so they can truly perceive their past in a spirit of humility, repentance and faith. Together with the inmate, they are looking for the point that will lead them to experience the good, so the inmate realizes his/her dignity and begin to use creative methods. These methods consist of creating music groups, biblical seminars, writing a prison magazine, preparing for sacraments, theaters, creating decorations, inviting volunteers from external environment to discussions, etc..
Yes, All religious are allowed to deliver services in our Coorectional system. However, we do not allow radical groups in from any religous belief into our prisons.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?The different religious community is themselves responsible for their costs. All major religious beliefs receive grants pr member. This is also supposed to cover their expenses when their are doing work in prison.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Yes, they are expected to be "main stream" in their apporach regarding their preaching. If they suspect inmates have become radicalized, they are expected to give us that information.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?The official state church (Lutherian) enmployes the priests in the prisons. The also help with contact and information towards other religious beliefs.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?Yes, this is a part of the staff education.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.Norway is a very secular country. Relgion has no big issue in our society. The role of the prison chaplain is more like a conversation partner, an adviser in family matters, a comforter rather than a preacher. Also inmates with other religous beliefs use our chaplains for this.
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Yes, spiritual assistance is provided Representatives of which religions are allowed to deliver religious and/or spiritual services? All.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?The Irish Prison Service is financially responsible. Prison Chaplaincy is non denominational. Under the Prison Rules, prisoners who belong to a religious denomination may attend services specific to their denomination in the prison as arranged, or may receive spiritual or pastoral visits from a representative of their denomination.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?No - they have no official role in P/CVE
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?It is organised by the Prison Chaplaincy Service under the prison rules
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?No - this is a matter for the Chaplaincy Service
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.All prisoners have the right to practice their religion or belief system and prisons make reasonable arrangements to facilitate that. This is set out in Prison Service Instruction 05/2016 Faith and Pastoral Care of Prisoners. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice/HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) must also consider religion or belief as a protected characteristic when exercising its Public Sector Equality Duty under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?HMPPS is responsible for funding chaplaincy, faith and pastoral care services across the prison estate for people of all faiths and none.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?All prison staff have a role in challenging extremist behaviour including chaplaincy staff and dedicated training is provided.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?The Prison Act 1952 enshrines in law the statutory duties of a prison chaplain who are employed in line with Civil Service guidelines. Official duties, which must be undertaken daily, are incorporated into Prison Rules and Young Offender Rules. They are explained in detail in Prison Service Instruction 05/2016 Faith and Pastoral Care of Prisoners. As well as providing worship, meditation and faith-based services, prison chaplaincy teams undertake a number of statutory duties for people of all faiths and none, include visiting all new receptions of the chaplain or prison faith minister’s denomination individually soon after the arrival, visiting those in segregation or residential health care daily and visiting all prisoners before their release. Chaplains are also involved in a range of other aspects of prison life and are often members of the staff care team and some work as family liaison officers.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?In addition to specific training for Chaplains, all prison staff are made aware of the rights of residents to practice their respective religious or belief system and to support them in that expectation.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.Much of chaplaincy work is focussed on rehabilitation and resettlement. This is both in terms of the teaching and encouragement of a positive, constructive, law-abiding life, which is enshrined in the teaching of all the major world religions, as well as more specific work with individuals helping them to reflect upon and make plans for a life outside prison which will be different from the one which led them to be there. Chaplaincy teams have numerous links with community organisations, both faith-based and secular and can often provide mentoring and support, either through an established community chaplaincy service or through one to one individual arrangements. Chaplains may also have links with community housing and employment providers and visits are made to all residents in the weeks leading up to their release and all have the opportunity to discuss these matters with a chaplain. HMPPS funds the multifaith Welcome Directory, an on-line search tool that connects prisons and those who work to help people resettle after prison with faith communities who are prepared to welcome and support those leaving prison. This can be used by prison chaplains, resettlement agencies and charities and released.
According to § 85 StVG, every prisoner has the right to participate in communal worship and religious events in the prison and to receive the sacrament and the support of a pas-tor appointed or approved by the prison. § 85 StVG is applicable to all inmates of the prisons and regulates pastoral care, the use of which is completely voluntary. The concept of religion in § 85 StVG is not limited to religious communities or religious denominations recognized under Austrian law, but includes all communities that fall under the definition of a religious community as defined in Article 9 of the ECHR. In the case of state recognition as a religious community, however, it can be assumed that the care of the inmates - provided by the pastors of these religious communities and religious denom-inations - does not violate any of the protective rights justifying a restriction. On the one hand, pastors must be appointed by the relevant religious community, and on the other hand, pastors must either be appointed or approved by the competent authority.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?With the exception of 4 to 5 posts for Catholic prison chaplaincy, which are financed by the Federal Ministry of Justice, the financial responsibility for pastoral care and/or reli-gious services lies with the religious communities. However, it may be added that the Protestant and Islamic prison chaplains receive an an-nual lump sum for their work from the Federal Ministry of Justice on the basis of existing agreements.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?No, they have no official role. To combat and to prevent violent extremism, there is currently a cooperation agreement with the DERAD association - "Social Cohesion Network for Dialogue, Extremism Preven-tion and Democracy". However, every inmate is of course free to contact a pastor.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?In general it can be said that pastoral care is regulated in § 85 StVG. Pastors must be commissioned by the religious communities concerned as religious coun-selors of prisoners. This also applies to religious communities that only know a lay aposto-late. Within the meaning of § 85, paragraph 1, pastoral workers must then be appointed or approved by the competent authority to exercise pastoral care in the prison; the approval of pastoral workers has been transferred to the prison directors' own sphere of activity. In advance, however, the prospective pastors are requested to fill in and submit a security declaration. In conclusion, it should be noted that there is no subjective public right of the pastor to be appointed or approved. The pastoral workers must, like other employees, follow the guidelines and regulations of the prisons; however, they are responsible to their religious community.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?Yes, as part of the basic training, the staff is trained by the Prison Service Academy in this regard.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.This question cannot be answered by the General Directorate. Each person has different views and perceptions.
Most religions are represented inside Swedish prisons
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?The Swedish Prison and Probation Service pays the religious representatives who work inside the prisons. There is no difference between the religions.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?No.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?"Sweden's Christian Council", coordinates and recruits chaplains on behalf of the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?A section is included in the undergraduate education.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.Art. 26 of Penitentiary Act 354/1975 recognizes the freedom of prisoners and inmates to profess their faith, to be educated in their religion, to practice their worship. In penitentiary institutions, religious assistance is provided for all cults, for the Catholic worship there is the presence of a chaplain in each prison. For cults other than the Catholic religion, ministers can enter prison in two different ways: • in the case of religious faiths that have entered into an agreement with the Italian State, ministers may enter prison according to the provisions of the laws that have implemented the individual agreements, pursuant to art. 58 of the Regulations for the execution of Penitentiary Act (Presidential Decree 230/2000), subject to the authorization of the prison Governor. Currently, the religious faiths that have stipulated an agreement with the Italian State are: Waldesian table, Assemblies of God in Italy, Lutheran Evangelical Church, Union of Jewish Communities, Adventist Christian Church, Sacred Orthodox Archdiocese of Italy, Apostolic Church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Italian Buddhist Union, Italian Buddhist Institute "Soka Gakkai". • For ministers of worship of religious faiths who have not entered into any agreement with the State, an authorization issued ad personam by the Cult Office of the Ministry of the Interior and the authorization of the supervisory magistrate is required. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for religious assistance from prisoners of Islamic religion. For the access of imams to prisons, the authorization of the Ministry of the Interior is required. On November 5, 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Prison Administration Department and the UCOII (Union of Islamic Communities and Organizations in Italy). The Protocol, however, is not exclusive.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?In prison, the religious practices, education and religious assistance of the Catholic faith are entrusted, in the form of assignment, by decree of the Minister of Justice to one or more chaplains. The functions of supervision and coordination of the services referred to in the previous paragraph are entrusted, again in the form of assignment, to the Inspector of Chaplains. Law n. 68/82 regulates the legal and economic relationship of the chaplains in charge in the Italian prisons, establishes the modalities of recruitment and dismissal, as well as the disciplinary sanctions applicable in the various cases; also, absences from the service are provided for by such Law. A budget share of the Prison Administration Department is provided for chaplains belonging to its staff. Religious freedom is governed by Article 19 of the Italian Constitution, which reads as follows: “Everyone has the right to freely profess his/her religious faith in any form, individual or associated, to make propaganda and to exercise it in private or in public, provided that it is not a ritual contrary to morality”. In prison there are chapels for the celebration of Catholic religious rites. As far as non-Catholic cults are concerned, prison directorates make rooms available for prayer, to allow individuals and/or non-Catholic ministers of worship to celebrate the rites. Each year, moreover, for Ramadan anniversary, the Prison Administration Department issues specific provisions allowing Islamic prisoners to celebrate the anniversary in compliance with security regulations.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Freedom of worship, a constitutionally guaranteed right, is specifically recognized within the penitentiary institutions and is governed by the Penitentiary Act. (See answers 1 and 2 above). Specifically, with regard to Islamic worship, the recognized authority in religious matters is the imam who is responsible for directing collective prayer. However, due to the absence of qualified figures in prison, the management of the religious profile is often taken on by inmates who, basically, are self-investing in this role, without having an adequate preparation and, at times, manipulating/exploiting the faith for personal interests or to impose extremist thoughts. For this reason, the entry of moderate and adequately prepared ministers of worship into prisons is favored, given that, at the international level, there is a shared opinion that correct religious teaching and practice can be counted among the appropriate measures to combat radicalization, as they constitute support for prisoners in the development of their personality, which is often culturally fragile, family, economically and at risk of falling victim to jihadist propaganda. However, it should not be overlooked that interreligious dialogue is fundamental and the spiritual accompaniment of prisoners has always been the object of special attention by prison chaplains and volunteers. Their services are not only addressed to the narrow Catholic faith, in fact, spiritual assistance goes hand in hand with efforts to ensure better living conditions and moral support, in a spirit of brotherhood, and to help substantially improve the atmosphere in prisons.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?See answer 1) above.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?Within the European project TRAINTRAINING, particular attention has been paid to the training of prison workers, also in order to avoid situations of polarization, which in fact is the result of growing intolerance, through the dissemination of short information on Islamic culture.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.Religious and/or spiritual services are available for inmates in the Danish prisons and penitentiaries. Inmates are entitled to talk with a chaplain or a clergy/religious representative from their own religious community. In addition to the prison chaplain, who is a member of the Danish Evangelical-Lutheran Church, some prisons employ a clergy/religious representative from other religious communities, such as imams and persons from the Roman Catholic community. With few exceptions, sermons must be held in Danish. Personal talks with a clergy/religious representative can be held in other languages than Danish. In principle, the inmates in prisons and penitentiaries have equal opportunities for religious and/or spiritual services regardless of which religion they practice. However, it is not possible to give a few inmates who belong to a small religious community a more systematic offer of religious and/or spiritual services. Instead, a clergy/religious representative can be summoned, ad hoc.
Who is financially responsible for chaplain and/or religious services? Is there a difference between the religious offers?The Danish Prison and Probation Service is financially responsible for religious services. As elaborated in the answer above, the extent of the religious offers in the prisons and penitentiaries depend on the demand for religious offers.
Do chaplains, imams and other caregivers have an official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism (e.g. deradicalization, disengagement or providing information for risk and needs assessments)? Do they receive training on P/CVE?Chaplains, imams and other caregivers have no official role in the prevention and countering of violent extremism in the Danish Prison and Probation System, nor do they receive specific training in the prevention and countering of violent extremism. However, taking in to account, that chaplains, imams and other caregivers can have an important function as a role model for the inmates, they must deliver their religious services in a manner that promotes a democratic view of life and prevents extremism and radicalization among the inmates.
How is religious care organised, e.g. the official acceptance by the state, a register, official tasks, responsibilities?The majority of prisons and penitentiaries have prison chaplains, who are members of the Danish Evangelical-Lutheran Church. The chaplains are employed by the Danish Prison and Probation Service or be the Ministry of Church Affairs. Some prisons employ a clergy/religious representative from other religious communities, such as imams and persons from the Roman Catholic community. The Danish Prison and Probation Service has set up an expert committee to supervise the respective clergy/religious representative, in case there is not an official supervisory authority, within the respective religious community. This is for example the case with Imams.
Do you train prison staff to deal with religion, religious prisoners and religious caregivers?It is part of the basic education of prison staff, that they receive courses regarding ethics and professionalism, including human rights, such as the right to freedom of religion. As part of the course, prison chaplains participates, explaining his/her function. In addition, students receive courses in religious extremism.
Please describe any interesting approaches and/or lessons learnt from your prisons.-
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