The Religious Society of Friends, more commonly known as Quakers, issued a report that details the problems formerly incarcerated persons in Europe face when returning to their communities. Not surprisingly, these problems are the same that newly released American prisoners face. The report The Social Integration of Ex-Prisoners in Council of Europe Member States details how the European criminal justice system can be revised to provide more support to prisoners while they are incarcerated, as well as upon release. Suggestions include:
Reducing overcrowding that strains resources which could be better used on rehabilitation
Improving case management of prisoners by forging a connection with outside service providers
Using best policy practices for prisoners with mental health, substance abuse, or sexual related crimes
Keeping prisoners as close to their communities as possible to maintain family contact, and accessibility to community service providers
Preparing prisoners for release as soon as they are incarcerated by providing education classes, as well as programs on employment, finances and life skills
Collecting data on supervision methods and the rate of recidivism for each method
Ensuring probation is rehabilitative, as well as a method of supervision and control
Considering gender-based probation supervision for women
Involving families in the probation supervision process
Using those who reenter successfully as counselors and mentors to newly released prisoners
Involving the private sector and service providers more, with regard to finding employment and employment training for formerly incarcerated persons
Treating alcohol and substance abuse as a medical problem, rather than a criminal one
Aiding prisoners to connect with housing and employment agencies before release
Undoing the blanket ban on voting that some countries have in place regarding ex-prisoners
Implementing Restorative Justice programs along with rehabilitation and reintegration programs
To view the full report click here to go to website
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