NCJ Number
73302
Journal
REVUE PENITENTIARE ET DE DROIT PENAL Volume: 104 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1980) Pages: 213-224
Date Published
1979
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The Polish centers for the social reintegration of recidivist offenders are analyzed in terms of legal status, offender population, and treatment methods.
Abstract
In 1970, the new Polish criminal code established social reintegration centers as halfway houses for particular repeat offenders (especially multiple recidivists). The placement in a social reintegration center forms either part of the original court sentence or is imposed after the recidivist has failed to fulfill particular obligations of his release. Although the centers are under the administration of the correctional system and staffed by correctional personnel, clients enjoy all the rights of freedom including family contacts, social benefits, and full payment for their work. Clients, who usually work outside the facility, must return in the evening and pay part of their salary for room and board. Statistics indicate that, since 1970, the number of recidivists placed in social reintegration centers has increased considerably and that 45 percent of the clients had been sentenced at least five times, mainly for minor offenses. The rehabilitation methods include (1) work for the benefit of society, (2) rewards for desirable behavior (temporary leave permits, financial rewards) and punishment for unacceptable behavior, and (3) intensive contacts with the outside world. It is argued that, despite their rehabilitative intent, the centers hinder rather than ease social reintegration because they form part of the correctional system and are therefore resented by the clients. The article includes no bibliographical information. (in French).