Slovenia was the first justice system we explored when we were planning the trip. Slovenia incarcerates youth for no more than ten years, but perhaps even more importantly they prioritize rehabilitation, re-entry and the maintenance of civil rights during and after incarceration for everyone no matter their age. In Ljubljana we met with three representatives from the Ministry of Justice to discuss the structure of their system and visit an "open facility" just outside the city.
It is of course important to address at the beginning that there are on average 1374 people incarcerated in Slovenia, it has one of the lowest incarceration rates in the world (181st/218 surveyed). Compared to the United States with 2.2 million people in prison and the highest incarceration reate in the world. Of course the countries vary in size - after all, the United States actually has over 1 million more people in prison than Slovenia does in total - but this does not limit a comparison. The discussion about incapacitation is increasingly moving towards the idea that incarceration, if necessary, is best done close to their family and community. Although not an entirely accepted idea in public debate we believe it, and we think Slovenia's model is a means for achieving this goal.
As we came to learn, The Ministry prioritizes rehabilitation, and resultantly re-entry is the goal of incarceration. During our visit we were provided an introductory packet by the head of the treatment department at the Ministry of Justice; At the start it stated clearly that because most of the people currently incarcerated will return to their communities "prison rules and regimes should not limit prisoners freedoms, external social contacts and possibilities for personal development more than an is absolutely necessary." By allowing prisoners to work and maintain their right to vote (even run for office) and obligation to pay taxes, Slovenians are able to stay connected to their community and ease the transition home. When making the transition people are assisted by "social work centers" staffed entirely by counselors and social workers required to possess empathy and compassion for crime victims and incarcerated people. These centers are unlike anything across Europe and the United States. Substituting for a traditional probation department, these centers coordinate with local organizations to provide employment, health care, education, and drug treatment among other services. These centers do not maintain registries, and no offender has to enroll on a public registry; coupled with no laws preventing people with criminal records from gaining employment or housing, transitioning from prisons to home can occur seamlessly.
To structure this system the Ministry operates 6 prison at 14 different locations. Every prison has an open, half-open, and closed department based on freedom of movement. A separate prison is designated for juveniles where you can remain until they are 23. The open departments of the facilities are exactly as they sound. If you are serving less than 3 years, or have less than three years remaining on your sentence sentence your are able to work outside the facility and even return home on weekends to be with their family. This is similar to a work release facility, except that the goal in Slovenia is permanent employment in the community to which they will return, people retain nearly all of their civil rights, and there is a department in every prison facility. Over the years we have visited facilities like this in the states, unfortunately, they are very, very rare.
When evaluating any justice system it can be helpful to say, "well thats great, but does it work? What about recidivism?" These reforms began in Slovenia in the 1970s and between then and now the system has seen a drop in recidivism from 60% to 20% - standing in stark contrast to the United States with recidivism rates close to 70%.
It is of course important to address at the beginning that there are on average 1374 people incarcerated in Slovenia, it has one of the lowest incarceration rates in the world (181st/218 surveyed). Compared to the United States with 2.2 million people in prison and the highest incarceration reate in the world. Of course the countries vary in size - after all, the United States actually has over 1 million more people in prison than Slovenia does in total - but this does not limit a comparison. The discussion about incapacitation is increasingly moving towards the idea that incarceration, if necessary, is best done close to their family and community. Although not an entirely accepted idea in public debate we believe it, and we think Slovenia's model is a means for achieving this goal.
As we came to learn, The Ministry prioritizes rehabilitation, and resultantly re-entry is the goal of incarceration. During our visit we were provided an introductory packet by the head of the treatment department at the Ministry of Justice; At the start it stated clearly that because most of the people currently incarcerated will return to their communities "prison rules and regimes should not limit prisoners freedoms, external social contacts and possibilities for personal development more than an is absolutely necessary." By allowing prisoners to work and maintain their right to vote (even run for office) and obligation to pay taxes, Slovenians are able to stay connected to their community and ease the transition home. When making the transition people are assisted by "social work centers" staffed entirely by counselors and social workers required to possess empathy and compassion for crime victims and incarcerated people. These centers are unlike anything across Europe and the United States. Substituting for a traditional probation department, these centers coordinate with local organizations to provide employment, health care, education, and drug treatment among other services. These centers do not maintain registries, and no offender has to enroll on a public registry; coupled with no laws preventing people with criminal records from gaining employment or housing, transitioning from prisons to home can occur seamlessly.
To structure this system the Ministry operates 6 prison at 14 different locations. Every prison has an open, half-open, and closed department based on freedom of movement. A separate prison is designated for juveniles where you can remain until they are 23. The open departments of the facilities are exactly as they sound. If you are serving less than 3 years, or have less than three years remaining on your sentence sentence your are able to work outside the facility and even return home on weekends to be with their family. This is similar to a work release facility, except that the goal in Slovenia is permanent employment in the community to which they will return, people retain nearly all of their civil rights, and there is a department in every prison facility. Over the years we have visited facilities like this in the states, unfortunately, they are very, very rare.
People incarcerated in the "open departments" are allowed to buy and keep in their room televisions, laptops, clothes, books, magazines, and anything else short of weapons.
When evaluating any justice system it can be helpful to say, "well thats great, but does it work? What about recidivism?" These reforms began in Slovenia in the 1970s and between then and now the system has seen a drop in recidivism from 60% to 20% - standing in stark contrast to the United States with recidivism rates close to 70%.
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