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 Volunteers who visit in prison and continue visiting in aftercare Halfway-houses. Reintegration in society, during last year of imprisonment 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

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 17