Prague 6 has a program aimed at preventing the recidivism of prisoners. Prepares for the post-release situation
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“I was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for the particularly serious crime of murder and the production of psychotropic and narcotic substances,” Mrs. Daniela tells her story. She became interested in the program a few months ago. And that was mainly because the deadline in which she could apply for dismissal was approaching.
“It took place in such a way that I consulted about it in the form of letters. Thanks to this, I found out what mistakes I have and changed my ranking of values. As for preparation for parole, it was debt counseling, securing a job, housing.”
Follow-up probation program
The service is unique in that the curators start working with the convicts even before they are released from prison. The most important thing is motivation.
“When the convict is paroled, our service is comprehensive in that we offer a follow-up probation program. Finding a doctor, financial management, contacts with family,” calculates the lecturer of the program, Kateřina Horejšová.
Mrs. Daniela’s story has a happy ending so far. She left prison after ten years and five months. “I had everything lined up, what was most important, what I had to accomplish. Go to the doctor, get a job interview. I was promised it before I was fired, which was August 11, and I’ve been working since September 1.”
So far, about fifty convicts have contacted the two curators from Prague 6. Forty of them are already free, none has yet returned to prison. In addition to the Prague remand prison in Ruzyna, the service also operates in Opava or Světlá nad Sázavou.