Prisoners aftercare in Europe: a four countries study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe examples of best practice in prisoner aftercare in several European countries. Our overall aim is to broaden the European perspective on the treatment of drug-dependent prisoners upon release. It is too often assumed that existing paradigms are the result of wisely guided evolution - that traditional measures of punishment and rehabilitation are, by virtue of their longevity, the only way. It is hoped that by initiating this process of cross-cultural comparisons, more countries will be encouraged to research alternatives within their own systems. Methodology: This report is based on information-gathering trips designed to produce a 'snapshot' of the aftercare systems and provision in four countries: Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Scotland. The intention was to gain a better picture of the overall philosophy and practice of aftercare in each location, not the complete national picture. Many of the problems inherent in each country may not be evident in this report, as the researcher was shown examples of best practice. In Austria, Sweden and the Netherlands, research visits were hosted by key figures within the Ministry of Justice, the prison and probation services and the key drug treatment agencies responsible for prisoners. Interviews were conducted with: Ministry of Justice officials Prison officials, Probation officers, Drug treatment agency workers, Social workers. Wherever possible, the researcher conducted interviews with prisoners or clients in rehabilitation centres. Terminology: The terminology used in this report reflects the language used by the people who took part in the research. We have tried to be consistent wherever possible, but variations in expressions, titles, designations etc., may be apparent. For example, one country may refer to inmates, another to prisoners; one may use therapists, another may employ equally qualified counsellors. In England and Wales, the term addict is avoided in favour of problematic drug-user; but other countries still speak of addicts. In Scotland, most prisoners referred to prison staff as guards, but, as we found out, prison officers find this insulting. Any other such mis-appelation in this report that causes offence is unintentional. Definition of aftercare: In this report we will use as a working definition of aftercare: "Any drug rehabilitation and/or social re-integration scheme or programme that actively assists prisoners after release from prison or during a staged release."