NCJ Number
207873
Journal
Penological Information Bulletin Issue: 25 Dated: December 2003 Pages: 8-12
Editor(s)
Stephanos Stavros
Date Published
December 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article presents findings from the reevaluation of the Council of Europe’s 1984 study on the system of education in prison in member states resulting in the adoption of recommendation, No. R (89) 12, titled Education in Prison.
Abstract
In 1984, the Council of Europe established a committee to study the system of education in prison in member states. The result was the adoption of recommendation, No. R (89) 12, under the title Education in Prison in 1989. This recommendation was promoted by the European Prison Education Association formed in the 1990's. However, with the emergence of a network of prison educators with a more specific education focus and 10 years having passed since the adoption of the recommendation, a reevaluation of Education in Prison in its entirety was seen as appropriate. The intent was to assess the extent to which it is still a relevant and valuable guide. This reexamination took place at the 4th European Conference for Directors and Coordinators of Prison Education held in Malta in 2000. In the recognition of shortcomings of the recommendation, sharper and more detailed treatment themes were identified in the areas of adult education, adult basic education, and offender behavior. However, twin themes were identified as strengths of Education in Prison, adult education and the-prisoner-as-citizen. The adult education approach was seen as placing the full person at the center of policy and promoting the empowerment of that individual. Education in Prison remains a useful tool. It is recommended that the reevaluation continue, and that the core principles remain intact with the removal of those less relevant.