ABSTRACT
A (long-term) prisoner – according to the Austrian approach – must not be released without preparation for release. Therefore, the law provides for a gradual release preparation. By way of supportive and re-integrational measures provided for by social services and the probation service inside prison and after release, transition from incarceration into freedom shall be guaranteed to be as “gentle” as possible. Particularly day releases, coordinated assistance with search for work and a flat, and where necessary psychological support are meant to give the released the possibility to manage his everyday life for himself after an organized time in prison. This should also reduce the danger of recidivism.
The social workers – particularly the probation officers of “Neustart” – implement the concept into praxis with an outstanding engagement and by networking.
This Austrian approach tries to find a balance between the resocialization of the offender and the safety of the general population. This approach works quite sufficiently for prisoners with longer sentences and in particular for those who are granted early release with an aftercare supervision of the Austrian probation service. Problems, however, exist for short-term prisoners and those serving their sentence fully and with regards to the staff situation of the Austrian probation service who just cannot deliver the necessary services for the preparation of release to all prisoners.
