NCJ Number
107833
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Following a brief review of the operation of the Dutch criminal justice system, differences between conditional and early release in the Netherlands are discussed.
Abstract
After inmates have served two-thirds of their sentence and at least 9 months, they may be granted a conditional release (CR). While in theory CR may be refused, only 1 to 3 percent are in practice refused. Under a new bill, CR will become automatic, sentences will in effect be determinate and at the discretion of the court without input from other administrative bodies, inmates need not earn their release, and rehabilitation and social assistance of releases is offered only on a voluntary basis. Consequently, CR will in effect become a system of early release without conditions or supervision. This will require changes both in imprisonment and in rehabilitation services before and after release. Inmates should be systematically moved from closed institutions to open institutions and community centers, and home leaves should be increased. In prison, emphasis should be on the helping function of staff and on improving inmates' social, educational, and other skills. In addition, postrelease services will probably have to become less treatment oriented and more focused on the practical needs and concerns of clients.