TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION What are likely to be the most important issues for a prisoner immediately after release? What would be the key features of a pre-release programme for prisoners who have served between two and five years? Consider how community agencies could be involved in helping prisoners to prepare for release. In some countries, prison staff or social workers go to the community from which the prisoner has come to discuss the implications of his or her return. What are the advantages and disadvantages of involving the community in this sort of discussion? In some instances, it may not be possible for a prisoner to return to his or her community on release. What needs to be done in cases such as these? CASE STUDIES 1. The prison has a well-developed scheme to help prisoners who have been in custody for many years to prepare for release. However, the majority of prisoners are serving short sentences. They are not given any preparation for release because they are not in prison long enough. Many of them are likely to be repeat offenders who return to prison many times. What can be done during the short time they are in prison to prepare them to lead law-abiding lives? 2. A person from a small community committed a serious offence which shocked the community. He is just about to complete 5 years in prison. He wishes to return to his family in the same small community once he is released. The prisoner director asks that someone from the social service agency should go to meet the leaders of the community to discuss arrangements. What are the main issues which will have to be considered? 111