NCJ Number
80351
Date Published
1980
Length
49 pages
Annotation
Recommendations for improving social and vocational opportunities for prisoners are presented in this report to the Council of Europe prepared by the council's committee on social and health questions.
Abstract
The recommendations are based on the belief that treatment of prisoners must keep pace with social change and thus must reflect sociocultural shifts and new penal approaches. The recommendations are based on four principles: (1) replacement of short-term prison sentences with other alternatives; (2) separation of accused persons, first offenders, and youthful offenders from recidivists and criminals; (3) reduction in the prison population; and (4) preservation of prisoners' self respect and assistance in the return to normal life. Flexible and generous regulations governing visits, including conjugal visits, are recommended. Training of correctional staff in the aims of progressive prison policy and use of prison leave to enable appropriate prisoners to maintain contact with society are also recommended. In the area of work and vocational training, recommendations include providing prison work under conditions similar to those in the open employment market, increased emphasis on free educational and vocational training programs, and allowing work or study outside the institution. Opportunities for physical exercise, for the pursuit of leisure activities, and for the practice of religion are also recommended. Efforts by social welfare agencies and trade unions to find jobs and aid the resettlement of ex-offenders are suggested. Other recommendations focus on assuring social security entitlements for prisoners, special provisions for women prisoners accompanied by children, and the treatment of foreign prisoners. The background report which formed the basis for the recommendations, the council's 1973 resolution listing minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners, and several recommended amendments to the present report are provided. Footnotes are given.