NCJ Number
107968
Date Published
1985
Length
32 pages
Annotation
An investigation was conducted of measures being taken by United Nations member states and other organizations to provide alternatives to institutionalization and to facilitate social resettlement of offenders.
Abstract
Replies from 65 countries indicate that most are making efforts to reduce time spent in pretrial detention and that much legislation provides measures for the discontinuation of criminal proceedings, such as reparation or community service. Fines were the most frequently reported alternative to imprisonment. Others included judicial admonitions, public reprimand, and suspensions of sentences, including probation. Additional alternatives included corrective labor and reeducation, confiscation of property, deprivation of rights, halfway houses, restrictions on liberty, and conditional release or parole. Countries placed great emphasis on the social reintegration of offenders and reported a variety of measures aimed at reeducation and rehabilitation. These included inmate classification and individualized planning, vocational and educational programs, prison industries, and paid labor. Other measures aimed at helping inmates maintain external family and social contacts and providing postrelease services and assistance. 3 notes.