NCJ Number
137868
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 61-68
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines issues related to the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration into the community in Switzerland.
Abstract
Rehabilitation begins before the offender leaves prison and is based on the concept of continuous care. A social worker from the Department of Justice's Social Service visits the offender in prison on a regular basis and follows him or her after release. Social work services are supplemented by individual psychological counseling or group psychotherapy if needed. Offenders also receive financial counseling and practical guidance on how to adjust to freedom after prison. In addition, emphasis is placed on reconciliation between offender and victim. Educating the community to accept released offenders is important, particularly with regard to finding employment and a place to live. In one Swiss canton, social work starts even before the individual becomes a criminal. Each community in this canton must have a school psychologist who can be consulted by parents, teachers, and juveniles who are at least 14 years of age. The goal is to help children with behavior difficulties or out of difficult social surroundings and thus prevent future delinquency. 45 references