Lost your Password?
Click Here
Don't have an account?
Register Here
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.
Want to ask a question? Please read our guidance information found here: Submitting a KMS Question
← Back Search KMSThis content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
Introduction: In the context of researching the right of prisoners for education (formal or distance education, high school, university, postgraduate etc.), General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses Turkish Ministry of Justice would like to know about other countries’ related legislation:
In Spain, in what we call ordinary prisons (for ordinary and close regime inmates), there is a school located inside the prison and it depends entirely on education authorities. They also have the posibility of doing university studies. In open regimen prisons, inmates use the schools and facilities located in the community.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?Yes, usually accompanied by security staff.
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?The treatment board or what we call Junta de Tratamiento.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?No. Education is a right and if the inmate wants to follow the school training, he or she has to behave properly according to the school rules. But good conduct is not a previous requirement to fulfill.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?No, the situation is the same for all inmates.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.Education followa the same rules as ordinary education for the rest of population. There are no specific education rules for inmates.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service does not differentiate between the category status of its prisons when it comes to providing education and training to the people in its care.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?The Northern Ireland Prison Service offers education and training 46 weeks per year, excluding public holidays and weekends. A learning and skills teaching day consists of 5.5 hours which is split into morning classes and afternoon classes. Those engaged with learning and skills are expected to attend in accordance with the schedule for their registered studies. All classes/vocational workshops are supervised by prison staff.
Is online/distance learning possible?no
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?Re: Above Q. Online learning - Learners can avail of self-directed learning which is currently offered through the Open University. Plans to expand the use of technology enhanced learning are at an early stage. Every person who expresses an interest in participating in education is permitted to do so. All persons committed to custody undergo an educational assessment to determine their level of competency in numeracy, literacy and computer skills. These assessments are carried out by the educational service providers and inform an individual’s Personal Development Plan.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?All people in the care of the Northern Ireland Prison Service have access to education. Every person who expresses an interest in participating in education is permitted to do so.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?All people in the care of the Northern Ireland Prison Service have access to education. Every person who expresses an interest in participating in education is permitted to do so.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.The statutory requirement for the provision of education within Northern Ireland Prisons is governed by the Prison Act (Northern Ireland) 1953 and Rule 52 of the Prisons and Young Offenders Centres Rules (Northern Ireland) 1995.
Inmates can take general courses on different subjects both in groups in the prison itself and by e-learning (examination board, high school, university). Prisons also offer vocational courses. Furthermore, inmates in prisons with an open regime can do an apprenticeship outside of prison by means of prison leave. An ‘educational transfer’ (transfer to another prison) can also be requested if an inmate wishes to follow a specific training that benefits his probation plan. The education coordinator of the Flemish Community is in charge of the content of the training, of course in consultation with the prison management. If an inmate is subject to a sanction or measure because of his behaviour, his participation in a training or course can be refused or suspended. In case of terrorist offenders, the composition of the group is taken into account and specific attention is given by means of careful observations. In case inmates take an external training on a daily basis, the regime of ‘limited detention’ can be obtained which is a decision made by the court for the execution of sentences.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?N/A
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?N/A
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?N/A
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?N/A
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.N/A
According to the national law, the educational process of inmates takes place regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, language, religion, sex, opinion, political affiliation, wealth, social origin or legal status. The educational process is organized and carried out in similar conditions for all detainees.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?Persons deprived of liberty detained in the juvenile penitentiary are free to attend/leave school (classrooms) freely and unaccompanied. In the pre-trial detention facilities, due to the specific nature of the institution and the differences between categories of inmates, the presence of persons deprived of their liberty in the classroom is always ensured by the staff of the Social Reintegration Division.
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?During the quarantine period, the Social Reintegration Officer holding the position of Educator, conducts an initial assessment of the newly arrived person to identify educational needs and risks. Depending on the achieved results and on the information provided in the personnel file, he decides on the involvement of inmate in the training process.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?The behavior of the inmate is not a criterion for selection him for the training process. If the inmate exhibited negative behaviour, more severe disciplinary measures were taken. In the case if the inmate behaved negatively, more strictly disciplinary measures are being taken.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?According to the systematized data, there are no persons detained in the penitentiary system who would have committed such crimes, so there are no exceptions or limitations to the right of education.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.The legislation in force does not provide for special rules to ensure the right for education and training for this category of inmates, since the process of education is carried out uniformly for all persons detained in the penitentiary institutions.
No, formal adult education (secondary and upper secondary level) is available at all prison types. There is a Learning Centre model established with a Learning Centre at each prison all over the country. That is to ensure provision of education wherever the inmate is and also to ensure continuity when inmates are transferred to another prison. Fully qualified subject teachers are employed, some at each Learning Centre. The all teach their subjects both to local students and to students in other prisons in the country. That is achieved by using distance learning within the Prison Service. The students are never left on their own with their studies. They all come to a Learning Centre where there is pedagogical staff, other students, learning materials, computers with a special intranet for inmates and teachers and so on. Each student has an invidivual study plan. There are employed, qualified guidance counselors employed to help inmates with that. Employed, qualified principals are responsible for the teachers and guidance counselors. At the national, central level, there is a manager responsible for the principals and for the adult education as a whole. The education is individual based to meet the different needs. Therefor there are no classes and no "traditional lessons" but the teachers meet each person when teaching. The education is available all the year around. It works according to the Education Act, curriculum, syllabi, grading criteria and other national regulations concerning formal adult education in the open society. Further more, The Swedish Schools Inspectorate scrutinizes the adult education in Prison in the same way they do with schools in the open society. All this is to ensure the equivalence and quality of the edcuation in Prison compared to the adult education in society in general. Concerning the third question about distance learning the answer is according to the description above.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?In open prisons the go on their own. In closed prisons the have to be accompanied by staff, in general the prison guards.
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?The inmates can announce their interest in studying in contact with the prison staff and it can be suitable according to their individual plan for the time in prison. Since last spring there is also a new legislation saying that inmates can be instructed to apply to education. If they are admitted to education they have to be active, follow their study plan etc. If they misbehave in a serious way during their studies at the Learning Centre or misbehave their studies somehow it may have impact on their time of release. That is an assessment done in the end by other staff, not by the teachers but the teachers need to document in a follow up system how the studies are progressing for the student.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?No, it is not.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?No, education is according to educational needs.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.There are regulations as referred to above but only in Swedish, I am sorry. It is the same with internal documents, for example a guidance for the staff concerning rutines etc within the adult education.
In Finland the main difference between open and closed prison is that from open prison it is possible to study outside the prison and in closed prisons the school facilities are located inside the prison.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?From open prisons the prisoners go to school located outside the prison on their own. In closed prisons it depends where the school facilities are located. In closed prisons the classrooms/workshops are supervised by prison staff (often by camera surveillance).
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?Both educational and prison authorities together. The prison director (or other staff member appointed by the prison director) decides if the prisoner can get the permission to study outside the prison.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?No, everyone has the right for education. Of course, the prisoner has to behave in appropriate way in the classrooms/workshops.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?No, everyone has the right for education. Security issues impact only how the education is organized (for example who can be in the same classroom at the same time).
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.Prison education follows the same legislations than “normal” education in Finland. There are only a few specific points of education in imprisonment act 767/2005 (https://finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/2005/en20050767.pdf).
This content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
According to regulatory acts - the involvement of prisoners in general, professional and interest education programs is one of the social rehabilitation resources of prisoners. In order to ensure the education of convicted persons in closed and semi-closed prisons, the Prison Governor shall enter into a cooperation agreement with the educational institution on the basis of a permit from the Prisons Administration. An official from Resocialization Unit who is responsible for education opportunities, in cooperation with the educational institution, carry out the assembly of training groups in accordance with the conditions of the concluded cooperation agreement. The general and vocational education program shall be implemented in accordance with the daily agenda of the deprivation of liberty institution and the list of training hours approved by the educational institution. The Prison Governor can authorize convicted persons in open prisons to acquire education in an educational institution located outside the territory of the prison, if it does not endanger public safety and if it is not in contradiction with the daily agenda of prison. Convicted persons who are in an open prison are allowed to leave the prison for the purpose of taking examinations. Unlike the procedures in open prison, convicted persons who are serving a custodial sentence in a closed or semi-closed prison shall participate in educational programs in the prison within the time period specified in the agenda. The involvement of minors (persons aged 14 to 17) in the general education program is mandatory and determined by law.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?Convicted persons who serve the sentence at the lower level of the regime (closed cells) shall be prohibited move around without supervision, they are accompanied by a supervisor (prison officer) when leaving cells to go to premises where education is being acquired. Convicted persons serving in the middle or higher level of the penal regime may move freely in the prison territory in which strict passage arrangements are established to prevent exit outside the specified precinct. Upon leaving the premises in which educational learning takes place, the daily routine of prison and the list of training hours approved by the educational institution shall be observed. Convicted persons of an open prison can leave without supervision to training institution outside the prison area.
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?Before the beginning of the training year, a written application shall be submitted from prisoner to the prison administration. The Resocialization Officer who is responsible for education opportunities, not later than a month before the beginning of the training year, compiles the applications for vocational training or general education. The Prison Governor shall approve the list of the convicted persons and submits it to the educational institution. The final decision on the admission of a convicted person in general and vocational education programs shall be taken by the educational institution, issuing the appropriate order.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?The right to education is defined in Section 112 of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as follows: “Everyone has the right to education. The State shall ensure the possibility of obtaining primary and secondary education free of charge”. General education for prisoners shall be encouraged and considered in determining their degree of resocialization. In accordance with Section 74 of Sentence Execution Code of Latvia (hereinafter – Code) Paragraph 4 - juvenile convicted persons who are held in disciplinary insulators shall be provided with education and vocational training, and therefore, upon receiving a disciplinary sanction and placement in the disciplinary insulator (up to 10 days), the educational process commenced shall not be interrupted.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?The possibility of obtaining an education in detention facilities shall not be limited, depending on the criminal offence of which the person has been accused or convicted.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.According to the Law on the Procedures for Holding under Arrest Section 24 Education of Arrested Persons - the administration of the investigation prison shall ensure as much as possible that arrested persons acquire general, vocational and interest education. According to the Section 25 Organizing of Educating Measures: (1) Registered foundations and associations, as well as religious organizations after co-ordination with the Latvian Prison Administration shall be permitted to implement educating measures in investigation prisons within the scope of social rehabilitation of arrested persons. (2) The procedures by which an arrested person shall be permitted to participate in educating measures shall be determined by the Cabinet. According to the Sentence Execution Code of Latvia (hereinafter – Code) Section 61.1 Resocialization of Persons Convicted under a Custodial Sentence - social rehabilitation of persons convicted under a custodial sentence is an aggregate of measures implemented within the scope of execution of the custodial sentence so that the convicted person would maintain or acquire social skills, vocational or general knowledge and skills. The participation of convicted persons in resocialization shall be stimulated and positively assessed in accordance with the procedures laid down in this Code. According to Section 61.3 Means for the Social Rehabilitation of Convicted Persons of Code, one of the resocialization tools is education - involving of a convicted person in general, vocational and interest educational programs According to Section 62 General Education of Convicted Persons Under Custodial Sentence - training shall be ensured within the scope of resocialization at a prison in order to ensure that convicted young persons may acquire general education. General learning activities of convicted persons sentenced under a custodial sentence shall be promoted and considered when determining their resocialization level. A convicted person who is involved in the programs for the treatment of addictions may be involved in the acquisition of general education if allowed by the conditions of the program for the treatment of addictions. According to Section 64 Vocational Education of Persons Convicted under a Custodial Sentence Within the scope of resocialization, acquisition of vocational basic education shall be organized in a prison so that convicted persons may work while being in the prison and after being released from serving the sentence. Convicted persons with Group I or II disability shall be involved in obtaining vocational education upon their wish. A convicted person who is involved in the program for the treatment of addictions may be involved in the acquisition of vocational education if allowed by the conditions of the program for the treatment of addictions. According to Section 67 Procedures for Organizing Learning Process of Convicted Persons for the Acquisition of General and Vocational Education - learning process of convicted persons for the acquisition of general and vocational education shall be organized in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations - governing the acquisition of general and vocational education. According to Section 67.1 Involvement of Persons Convicted under a Sentence for the Temporary Deprivation of Liberty in the Acquisition of Education and Social Behavior Correction Activities - persons convicted under a sentence for the temporary deprivation of liberty shall not be involved in the acquisition of general or vocational education, however, to the extent possible, measures of interest education shall be organized for them and they shall be involved in the social behavior correction activities. Acquisition of compulsory education shall be ensured to minors. According to Section 50.7 Regime for the Execution of the Sentence in Juvenile Correctional Institutions - educational process in juvenile correctional institutions shall be implemented as closely as possible to the requirements for general education institutions and it shall be governed by an instruction approved by the Minister for Justice which has been agreed upon with the Minister for Education and Science. The Governor of a juvenile correctional institution shall ensure the possibility to leave the territory of the institution for the period necessary to take examinations in a general or vocational education institution. Within this period, the correctional institution shall ensure the supervision of the convicted minor.
In open prisons, it may be possible to work or study outside the prison, but even here there are clear limits to one's freedom of action. It is the length of the sentence and the nature of the crime that determines whether one enters a closed or open prison. The Danish Prison and Probation Service make the final decision. The closed prisons have a high degree of security and control. In open prisons, it may be possible to work or study outside the prison, but even here there are clear limits to one's freedom of action. It is the length of the sentence and the nature of the crime that determines whether one enters a closed or open prison. The Danish Prison and Probation Service make the final decision. The Danish Prison and Probation Service is responsible for the operation of detention centers, open and closed prisons. The detention centers are for prisoners who have not yet been convicted, while the prisons are for convicts. In practice, however, there are detention wards in several prisons, as well as a number of convicted prisoners in detention centers.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?Prisoners go to school as required to pass their courses. In all prisons and some detention centers, one can receive instruction in ordinary school subjects or otherwise participate in instruction. The teaching offer in the prisons includes preparatory adult education (FVU) with great emphasis on Danish and mathematics, dyslexia education (OBU). In addition, there is general adult education (AVU), which corresponds to the primary school graduation level, and where there may also be teaching in English, social studies, IT and other subjects. Training for jobs Several prisons offer internal vocational education and AMU courses that provide competence and can provide credit if the individual later wishes to be admitted to an education. It is also possible to organize a more direct vocational training plan, where theoretical subjects are combined with training places in one of the production workshops. The Danish Prison and Probation Service seeks to target the offers of education to subjects where it is possible for the participants to get a job after serving their sentence.
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?The Danish Prison and Probation Service decides on the prisoner’s participation in education. The prisoner has certain criteria to meet in order to participate in education.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?Good behavior is not necessary to receive education. However, prisoners may be subject to heightened attention and restrictions from education if their behavior justifies it.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?Detainees charged with terrorism are generally placed in security class 2. In all cases, they must initially be subjected to a restraining order for special heightened attention, which entails special rules for visitation, education etc. The decision to implement the restraining order is made by The Danish Prison and Probation Service’s Security Group. Security class 2 are places that are specially secured against illegal communication.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.The law that regulate the abovementioned issues is The Penal Enforcement Act - Straffuldbyrdelsesloven (retsinformation.dk)
1. Under international law, no one may be deprived of the right to an education. Prisoners have the same rights to education and training as other Norwegian citizens. The county authorities are academically and administratively responsible for the education provision in prisons of all categories. The practical responsibility for teaching lies with local upper secondary schools. The County Governor of Vestland has overall national responsibility for all teaching within the correctional services.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?The inmates go to school daily, they attend in small classes or have one to one education with the teacher. Prison staff do not attend. Security-issues are often discussed in dialogue between prison staff and the educational personnel.
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?Inmates are given an opportunity for assessment of issues relating to the resettlement after release from prisons. This assessment contains elements of need for and interest of education for each inmate. The school in the prison take the responsibility to follow up each person. The law impose the prisons to facilitate educational activities to all inmates. The decition is taken by the prison management.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?All inmates are given the right to attend school, and this activity can be taken away in case of specific security matters based on the behavior of inmates.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?6. All inmates are given the same rights as mentioned above.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.The Execution of Sentences Act article 18, International Conventions and various national Acts of education. The EPEA- European Prison Education Association https://www.epea.org/epea can give more information to international rules and standards.
In Slovakia, education means inclusion of inmates in the educational program, school, educational institution, re-training course or education organised by the prison. Education takes place in all remand prisons, prisons, juvenile prison, prison hospital and open units. In case of prisoners placed in open units who study, if enabled to participate in distance learning and courses that require consultations and participation in exams outside the open unit, the institute “permission to leave the open unit in the time outside of the working time” can apply.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?Generally, education is organised in field classes of primary schools, secondary schools in the prison or individual education is ensured, thus no accompaniment by the staff is necessary. In case of open units, the institute “permission to leave the open unit” can apply.
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?It is the provider of the program in which the prisoner is interested. If it is the education organised and realised by the prison, prison staff decides. If the education is provided by a school or educational institution, these decide.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?Access to education is not conditional on the good conduct of inmates. However, the conduct is taken into account during the education. A breach of the duty by the education participant is considered not complying a part of the treatment program. In case of adult prisoners who do not comply the treatment program or repeatedly committed a disciplinary trespass relating the study or security reasons prevent the study, Prison Governor can propose the respective educational organisation to dismiss the prisoner from the study.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?In Slovakia, there are no such defined exceptions. Inmates with actual security risks or other risks of obstruction the pre-trial detention or prison sentence execution purpose cannot be included to any school educational program, re-training course, course for illiterates and Slovak language course.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.Education of inmates in Slovakia is regulated by: - Act no. 475/2005 Coll. on Prison Sentence Execution as amended According to § 32 par. 1 of this Act, Education of prisoners is a complex of activities based on the active participation of the prisoner and focused on his integration to society in compliance with his personal and social needs. Illiterate prisoners shall be enabled to complete the course for illiterates. In case the prisoner is included to such course, he is obliged to participate regularly in it. (§ 32 par. 3 of this Act). - Decree of the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic no. 368/2008 Coll. that issues the Rules of Prison Sentence Execution as amended In accordance with § 44 par. 1 and 2 of this Decree, prisoners are enabled the access to the education that consists of general education, cultural and sports activities, social education and free use of library funds. Generally, education takes place in form of modular learning, social education or enabling participation in distance study forms and courses. According to the individual possibilities and abilities, prisoners are enabled: a) to complete the primary school, b) to complete a re-training course, course to upgrade or extend the qualification, c) in-training or apprenticeship in chosen fields of education, d) secondary school study. Prisoners who show interest in further education after release, are enabled to take part in the admissions according to the generally binding legal regulations, unless this is contrary to the prison sentence execution purpose and it is presumed that the prison sentence execution will be completed before the beginning of the school year; where reasonable, prisoners in differentiation group “A” apart from maximum security prisons can be allowed to take part in the admissions also in case the prison sentence execution will not be completed before the beginning of the school year (§ 44 par. 5). - Order of Director General no. 7/2009 on Education and Organisation of Interest and Free Time Activities of Inmates In accordance with § 2 par. 1 of this Order, education takes place in all remand prisons, prisons, juvenile prison, prison hospital and open units with the aim to reach the goals resulting from the purpose of treatment with the detainees on remand and prisoners serving prison sentence execution. In accordance with § 2 par 4 of this Order, in case of illiterate prisoners and prisoners with diagnosed behavioural disorders, mental disability, visually and hearing impaired, especially if speaking about juvenile prisoners, the level of his/her ability to learn is marked upon entry psychological examination, or a more detailed special-pedagogical diagnostics is recommended; this shall not apply if an examination processed in an advisory centre according to a special regulation is at disposal. Stateless inmates who do not speak the Slovak language are provided help in gaining the basics of communication in Slovak language; if the prison conditions enable it, education is realised in the language that he/she understands (§ 3 par. 8).
Inmates in prison and pre-trial detention study in schools located inside the prison establishments. Inmates who are allowed to leave prison unguarded, pregnant women and mothers with children accommodated outside prison, also inmates from open regime prisons and halfway houses may study in public or municipal general education schools.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?Inmates attend school according to the approved schedule of lessons, consultations and other forms of educational process, they are accompanied by dynamic security specialists or security officers.
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?Learning is mandatory to inmates up to 16 years of age. Inmates over 16 years of age who are willing to study should submit a written request to the head of the school.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?Inmates upon whom disciplinary sanctions are imposed or those allocated to a disciplinary group are not allowed to school.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?No
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.Description of the Procedure for Organizing General Education and Vocational Training of Pre-trial Detainees and Inmates Approved by the Resolution No. 30 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on 14 January 2016.
In principle, there is no difference between closed prisons and open prisons with regard to the education offered. Rather, the education offered often depends on the size of the prison; larger prisons usually have a more diverse portfolio of programmes.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?In basic education, inmates can go to school half a day a week, which means 4 lessons of 45 minutes. Since education is equal to work, school attendance is also financially compensated, according to the individual inmate's usual earnings. Inmates undergoing vocational training have a full day of classes per week, just like in public schools. For the most part, prisoners come to school on their own. Due to the building conditions and/or special regulations (e.g. certain groups of prisoners should not be able to have contact with other prisoners), the prisoners are accompanied to the classroom by the prison staff and are also picked up there again.
Is online/distance learning possible?no
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?Formally, the educational officer -eductional coordinator- or the correctional supervisor decides on the basis of the teacher's recommendation whether an inmate can go to school. In practice, however, the teacher's positive recommendation is usually regarded as sufficient. In the case of young prisoners, however, completing an apprenticeship together with the corresponding school attendance can also be a judicial measure to minimise recidivism.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?School attendance should not be a reward for good conduct. As mentioned above, work and education are equal by law. This means that if an inmate can (must) go to work, then he can also go to school. It should not be the case that an inmate is denied school attendance but then has to go to work. In fact, however, there are some correctional institutions that allow an inmate to attend school only if he or she shows good conduct.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?No, in principle education is to be offered to all inmates. Thus, education is also provided in the security unit of a prison. However, due to specific security precautions, it is possible that only a limited educational offer is available to the inmate.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.Education in prison in Switzerland is based on the following laws, recommendations and resolutions: Swiss Criminal Code – Art 75, 82 and 83 (attached file) Recommendation R(89)12 of the Council of Europe on Education in Prison Recommendation Rec(2012)12 of the Council of Europe on Foreign Prisoners, Art 29 Recommendation Rec(2006)2, revised July 1st, 202o, of the Council of Europe, on European Prison Rules, Art 28 and Art 89.1 UN General Assembly, Dec 17th 2015, "Nelson Mandela Rules", Rule 4
The process for delivering prison education is the same in both open and closed prisons. Historically, most prison education has taken place within a classroom environment. However, Covid has presented us with some challenges with most face to face education halting initially last year and then being reintroduced later last year. We are now moving to a more blended learning approach with prisoners undertaking some of their learning in class and some on the prison wings.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?For the adult estate: Prisoners undertake education on a voluntary basis, and where they do, they do so within the prison environment as stated above. They are usually escorted to education by prison staff (Prison Officers). For the youth estate: The youth custodial estate accommodates very complex children, many of whom have been disengaged from formal education, and many of whom have a history of persistent absence, special educational needs, involvement with social services and mental health concerns and/or drug and substance misuse issues. The Ministry of Justice and Youth Custody service (YCS)” Vision for Learning” was agreed in July 2018, which sets out the government’s ambition to put education at the heart of youth custody, as outlined in the Government response to the Charlie Taylor Review (published December 2016). There are different requirements across the three distinct parts of the youth secure estate (Young Offender Institutions, Secure Training Centres and Secure Children’s Homes, though education and learning is a core part of the child’s daily regime.
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?For the adult estate: Historically, prisons have not had the digital infrastructure to deliver on-line learning, but prisoners do have access to the Virtual Campus within prisons. The Virtual Campus holds the prisoner’s Personal Learning Plan and allows them to access training materials on this platform. It should be noted that prisoners do not have any access to the Internet. We are also starting to develop some in-cell/laptop-based learning. Prisoners can undertake distance learning where this is appropriate. If they wish to apply for a student loan to support their studies, then they must be within 6 years of their release date in order to qualify. For the youth estate: Education is primarily classroom-based, though during COVID-19 a blended approach of classroom and ‘in-room’ learning has been adopted. The Youth Custody Service is also piloting ‘in-room’ digital technology, which has initially been rolled out at Cookham Wood YOI prior to a wider roll out across public sector YOIs, which will help facilitate remote learning. Prisoners have an initial assessment when they enter prison to establish current levels of English and Maths and to determine if they have any type of neurodiversity. They then discuss their educational needs with Learning and Skills Managers in order to decide on the appropriate type of education. This can involve improving levels of English and Maths, but can also include vocational training such as construction work, food preparation/hygiene or barbering. They are then allocated to a course by the prison allocation team which is dependent on capacity limits. Prisoners tend to be prioritised if education is for sentence progression as well as by release date. For the youth estate: Learning is a core part of the child’s daily regime, with each child receiving an educational needs assessment upon arrival into the youth secure estate, which is monitored over time. Our ambition is to develop a model of delivery where the education experience is tailored to each child (‘needs-based provision’) with education forming part of well-rounded experience for children in custody, underpinned by a collaborative and integrated whole system approach to trauma and psychologically informed care (the ‘SECURE STAIRS’ model, the framework for integrated care jointly led by NHS England and NHS Improvement and the YCS which provides the foundations as to how the YCS works with children).
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?While ‘good conduct’ is not a prerequisite for a prisoner to be entitled to education, our Incentives policy does require prisons to take into account how much someone is engaging in the regime (including education, where offered) as part of determining their incentive level . The decision on incentive status should be taken in the round and consider performance and behaviour across all regime activity. If a prisoner is well behaved, is engaging in the regime etc., that is likely to lead to a higher incentive status being awarded.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?All requests by terrorist offenders to participate in education are considered by counter-terrorism experts in the prison service on a case-by-case basis, with special consideration given to the need to protect public safety
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.The legislation which underpins education and training in prison includes the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. We have also attached the Prison Education and Libraries Policy Framework and the Incentives Policy Framework
This content is only available to registered members of EuroPris.
In Austria exist 3 high security prisons, in which mainly inmates with long sentences (normally 6-7 years - lifelong sentences) and/or special offences (murder, terrorist, violent crimes and sexual offence, etc.) as well as inmates with special treatments and needs (mental, medical, psychotherapeutic, etc. treatments) and/or inmates with problematic behaviour (e.g. in other prisons before) are sent to. Beside this, there are 4 prison for mediate security (sentences about 2-7 years) as well as one prison only for female inmates (all security levels) and one prison for juvenile inmates (all security levels). These 4 prisons of mediate security have different focuses on treatment (e.g. education, special treatment for sexual offenders, elderly inmates, etc.). Because of the need of a special treatment, measures of involuntary forensic placement is organised in different specialised prisons for inmates as well as in the – 3 mentioned above – high security prisons. The court prisons are generally responsible for imprisonment on remand and sentences not higher than 18 months. Most of the prisons have different security levels inside the prisons as well as special departments for loosen imprisonment or even half-way houses. The decision in which department of a prison the inmate will stay is in the responsibility of the head of the prison.
Do prisoners go to school daily, on their own or is it obligatory to be accompanied by any staff (if so, which staff)?Generally, in case of school-age inmates, which are subject to the general national compulsory schooling law (Schulpflichtgesetz 1985), they have to go to school daily. School lessons take place within the prisons. Adult prisoners normally go to external (vocational) schools, but some Austrian prisons have their own vocational schools, too. They cooperate with the labour market service in order to carry out shortened apprenticeships in various trades. In some prisons, inmates can catch up on compulsory schooling. Basic education, language and computer courses are also offered. If the inmates go to external (vocational) schools, they are not accompanied by prison staff. Before getting the permission to take part in any training, they must be admissible for detention in low-security/loosen imprisonment (§ 126 Abs. 2 Z 3 StVG – Austrian Penal Law)
Is online/distance learning possible?yes
Who decides on the prisoner's participation in education?Question 3: Austrian prisons use the e-learning platform ELIS. This offers prisoners over 200 learning opportunities and programs for general and vocational training, a comprehensive media library including reference works and access to the “Ich-will-Lernen.de” portal. There is also the option of studying online, for example at the University of Hagen. Question 4: The decision is taken by the head of the prison as the enforcement authority of first instance, based on the opinion of a multi-professional team. Some prisons have educational services that are responsible for selecting and supporting inmates in education.
Is "good conduct" a "must" for prisoners to be benefited from the right of education?“Good conduct” is usually a pre-condition for participation, but it does not have to be. In case of participation in a training measure “bad conduct” can lead to a dropout.
Are there any restrictions or exceptions for terrorist offenders?No. This group of inmates is treated equally.
Are there any codes or regulations that regulate these issues? If so, the text of related provisions and the name of legislation is kindly asked.Strafvollzugsgesetz (StVG): Instruction and further training § 57 (1) In institutions where this is compatible with the principles of economical, efficient and expedient administration, in view of the average number of prisoners held there and the average length of their sentences, provision shall be made for prisoners lacking the knowledge and skills which it is the duty of elementary schools to teach to receive the necessary instruction. Under the same conditions, regular courses of further education shall be held in the institutions for suitable prisoners. (2) Prisoners may attend correspondence courses. They may also use funds for this purpose which are not otherwise available to them in the penal system. In the event of misuse, further participation in the course shall be prohibited. (3) Instruction and activities connected with participation in correspondence courses shall be carried out during non-working hours. Execution on prisoners convicted of criminal acts committed through negligence § 128 (2) For prisoners who have been convicted of negligently committing criminal acts against life or limb or of committing an act punishable by law while in a state of full intoxication (Section 287 of the Criminal Code) with respect to such acts or omissions, instruction shall be given on the prevention of accidents and on first aid, insofar as this does not contradict the principles of economical, efficient and expedient administration.