REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS
Prisons can, however, provide imprisoned children with educational and training opportunities that
they would not normally have access to, and a chance to turn their lives around. There are different
models of education for children in prison. In some countries, children can attend mainstream
schools during the day. In others, there are specific in-prison education courses. In all cases the
curriculum and standard of education should mirror that in the community and should be freely
available to all.
PROMISING PRACTICE: Supporting children in detention in Spain
The organisation Fundación Diagrama102
manages 22 detention centres in Spain,
with a total capacity for 815 young people,
supporting and helping them reintegrate
into their families and communities. Young
people under the care of the detention
centres receive individual attention in
accordance with their age, sex, maturity,
needs and social capacities; their care
takes into account the best interests of the
child and is in line with children’s rights,
such as the right to education, training,
health, religious assistance, family life,
information and privacy. Young people
also participate in specific programmes
focusing on offending behaviour.
Each young person has an individualised
plan drafted by a multidisciplinary team
formed of various professionals (such as
educators, psychologists, social workers and
teachers). These professionals are trained
to carry out appropriate interventions
with young people, which also take into
consideration the variables regarding
gender identity. The young person also
participates in the group meetings in which
their plan is developed, ensuring that their
opinions are taken into account. The plan
is regularly monitored and evaluated in
order to allow for adjustments in accordance
with their development and needs. Young
people are also given responsibility for their
own progress and they can discuss their
rehabilitation, problems or concerns with the
team. This process involves the engagement
of their families where appropriate.
Pregnancy and women with children in prison
Pregnant women and women with children living with them in prison can face particular challenges
when it comes to rehabilitation. Pregnant women, mothers and their children have specific
healthcare and dietary requirements that are often not adequately met in prisons, and mental
wellbeing is of particular concern. Contact with friends, families and communities can be especially
important for these women, not only to reduce their isolation but also to enable them to prepare
for release, including in relation to practical childcare and support needs.
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Penal Reform International and Thailand Institute of Justice | Guide to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of women prisoners
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