pf the netherlands riga, may 2015. dutch prisons total population in the netherlands: 17 million...
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PF The Netherlands
Riga, May 2015
Dutch prisons
Total population in The Netherlands:
17 million people Prison of Rotterdam
Number of prisons:– Adults: 30 prisons (capacity 11.000)– Youth: 9 prisons (capacity 1.600)– TBS: 10 clinics (capacity 1.700) (For offenders with psychological problems or personality disorders)
Length of detention: 74% less than 3 months/ 26% more than 3 months Inmates in 2013: 37.000 Ex-prisoners in 2013: 35.000 No specific care for relatives of prisoners
Co-operation prison staff and local officials
During detention the inmate and social worker exchange information about the expected situation after release (at arrival in prison / 2 months before release)
Communication between social worker and local official In each town a local official is responsible for aftercare of
inmates Aftercare is still difficult, due
to insufficient time and
funds to arrange proper
housing, shelter, jobs, etc.
Free, … ?
Developments in Dutch society
Growing demand for volunteer work. Government withdraws
People search for demanding volunteer work, often for a certain period
NGO’s to support (ex) prisoners
1998: Volunteer organizations got permission to visit prisoners outside standard visiting hours: no need to make a choice between visits of family or volunteer. The talks are private: privacy is assured
2010: Ministry of Justice developed policy on volunteer work in prisons
Growing awareness on importance of NGO contribution. Recently research was done on value of volunteer work in prisons
NGO’s need to stay focused on their core business. Prison staff tend to invite volunteers for various activities that are not their responsibility.
Main activities of Dutch NGO’s
1. Volunteers who visit in prison and continue visiting in aftercare
2. Halfway-houses. Reintegration in society, during last year of imprisonment
3. Volunteers for aftercare
PF The Netherlands
Goal: to support prisoners and their families during imprisonment and afterwards
Vision: to be an organization of restoration
Mission: to empower people and churches to visit prisoners
core value: Bible as the word of God (basic for life & work)
diakonia: preach gospel, use words if necessary
Projects of PF The Netherlands
Visiting prisoners and ex-prisoners
2014:
489 prisoners / 2944 visits
141 ex-prisoners / 601 visits
Projects of PF The Netherlands
Visiting family members of (ex) prisoners
(partners, children and parents)
2014:
151 family members / 797 visits
Projects of PF The Netherlands
Job placement for ex-inmates
2014:
26 ex-prisoners successfully placed
Projects of PF The Netherlands
Angel’s Tree: Present for children
(birthday / christmas)
2014:
659 presents
Projects of PF The Netherlands
Sycamore Tree Project
(courses for (ex) offenders and victims)
2014:
132 courses /
718 participants
1998 2001 2005 2009 20140
100
200
300
400
500
600
80
170
300
410
570
volunteers
PF The Netherlands
Professional volunteer work 575 volunteers / 20 paid staff 14 social workers / 2 colleagues for Job Placement
Social workers are responsible for: – Intake– communication with prison and local officials– support and training volunteers
PF The Netherlands
Volunteers are responsible for : – Visits– personal attention– moral support– practical assistance
Training: role volunteer and professional, how to handle critical situations, cooperation with social workers, communication.
We receive more than enough applications for volunteers
Total budget 2014: 2 million euro
25%
9%
2%32%
32%
% of income
Individuals
Churches
businesses
Funds
Subsidy