Field Programs - Prison Program - Central Bohemian Region
The article is about a project that Romodrom successfully completed in 2015. For information about currently provided services in the field of prisons, visit this page.
Target group:
- Offenders. Individuals leading a risky lifestyle or at risk due to this lifestyle.
Interaction with service applicant, user entry into service:
The service applicant can sign up for our program either independently or with the help of a social worker in the prison we commute to. The applicant must be over 18 years old and reside in the territory of the capital city of Prague or in the Central Bohemian Region.
Detailed description of service implementation:
The goal of our program is to prevent recidivism of individuals leaving prison and at the same time work with their family to create better conditions for the person's integration into society, thereby supporting the integration of the entire family. The "prison program" is unique in linking services for individuals in VTOS or leaving VTOS and for their families.
The program primarily aims to strengthen the functionality and stability of the user's family relationships, improve the user's orientation in society and its functioning, enhance communication with institutions and authorities, develop the necessary skills and abilities to meet life needs (housing, employment - financial security, satisfactory relationships with others, etc.), increase motivation for employment in the open labor market, and strengthen the user's communication skills, self-confidence, and self-reflection abilities.
The program includes the following activities in particular:
- Professional social counseling directly to the target group in prison,
- Assistance in communication with authorities and other organizations,
- Provision of legal advice,
- Supporting user contact with family,
- Working with families of convicts during the family member's stay in VTOS,
- Assistance in accommodation and employment,
- Provision of civilian clothing for exit and field social work in families immediately after release.
Methods of work:
- voluntariness,
- expertise,
- low-threshold – the service is intended for individuals who, due to social exclusion, do not have access to regular social and other services,
- comprehensive view of user's situation and their relationship to family and society,
- equal access to the service – the service is provided to all people without prejudice based on gender, age, disabilities, nationality, religion, language, political beliefs, or sexual orientation or social situation,
- individual approach – workers approach the service user with respect to the uniqueness of their personality, situation, and wishes, taking into account the user's individuality,
- workers protect confidential information obtained during the service from the client by guiding the client towards independence, so they take responsibility for their life situation and are not solely dependent on the social worker,
- facilitating contact with the social environment.
Handling complaints:
When drafting a contract, the client always receives and is subsequently explained the procedure for handling complaints. The client can complain in several ways, either orally or in writing. The client can also complain anonymously by placing the complaint in the Romodrom mailbox, which is located on the exterior wall of the building where the service is provided.
Termination of service:
Each contract for providing social services is always drawn up for a specific period, usually for one year, so if the client no longer cooperates for a longer period, the validity of the contract and cooperation expire. The client is also always informed that they can terminate cooperation with us at any time and without giving a reason. Conversely, we can only terminate the service for serious reasons (e.g., client's aggressive behavior) or if the client no longer meets the conditions for receiving the service (e.g., moved).
Payment for services:
- Social service is provided free of charge.
Spaces, material and technical equipment:
Our service has the option to use a contact room (office facilities) where the client can come either during consultation hours or at another time by arrangement with the staff. In the contact room, there is a notice board where the client can read all the information about our organization and information about related organizations. Each employee has their own PC, internet access, and a work phone.