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![handle is hein.gao/gaobacjgm0001 and id is 1 raw text is:
DOCUIENT RSSUNE
0579 - [1B1025977]
Observations on Correctional Programs and 1olicies in Selected
European Countries. GGL-78-52. April 10, 1978. 24 pF.
Staff study by Victor L. Love, Director, Genersl Gov 'rnuent Div.
Issue Area: Law !nforcement and Crime Prevention: Eftectivenesf,
of Correctionixl. Programs (5141.
Contact: General Government Div.
Budget Function: Law Enforcement r.nd Justice: Fcdaral
Correctional and Rehablitatiee Activities (75.3).
Organization Concerned: Department of Justice; Bureau of
Prisons.
Conqressional Relevance: House Cuuittec on ths Judiciary.
Many European corrections officia.'.s believe that
impcisonment has largely failed as an effective treatment for
many offenders. Corrections officials bere visited Lr Deomark,
The Netherlands, Sweden, Evgl'.Ad, and Germany to identify some
policies and programs used in these nations to develop
alternatives to impriscnment, minimize the adverse effects of
imprisonment, and improve offender ewployakility*
Findinqs/Conclusions: Although widell tu;pcrted hl European
Justice and corrections officials, the extent to which a country
practices alternative sentencing depends on certain tac;tcxs: the
existinq penal code may set minimum puniahmont levels for
specific offenses, some offenses may be decriminalizsd, courts
may lean toward more lenient sentencing, and the putlic may
accept a more liberal sentencing policy. Despite interest in
alternative sentencing, imprisonment is still conside:ed an
appropriate method for dealing vith certain offenses. Hobever,
steps have been taken to minimize the adverse effects of
traditional forms of imprisonient, such as institutiog liberal
leave and visit policies, establishinq less stiuctured forms of
imprisonment, and providing prisoners with a greater sense of
participation in decisions affecting their stay in prison. In
all countries visited, national prison laws require sentenced
inmates to either work or to be enrolled in educaticn o
traininq programs; the purpose of these prcvisions is to
facilitate return to a normal life. (IES?](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobacjgm0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)