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