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Description
The number of drug-addict convicts’ in the Czech Republic has increased since 2013, (59% of the total, in 2019). Drug use represents most influential recidivism cause (65% of convicts repeatedly serving, in 2019). Regarding drugs, some may cut down, others continue, some are new to it, whilst some take even higher risks. Followed by disintegrated post-penitentiary care, drug-addicts´ support supplied in prisons is rather limited. There´s a very likely return to drugs after the discharge even for those who were off drugs while in prison. An effective life related intervention system in prisons has the potential to contribute to reducing criminal recidivism beyond the discharge.
Our project aims positive changes support within the life of 300 drug-addicts in 12 prisons via multidisciplinary care, and subsequently in 8 Bohemia regions, they return after their discharge. Therefore, in collaboration with six professional and experienced organizations, we aim to implement Case Management programs to stabilize convicts after their discharge; mainly: housing, employment, family and continuity of subsequent addict and health care in order to support direct work with clients and its quality growth through the system of regular education and supervision of employees. Through the interconnection of professional care, we´ll broaden cooperation with professional staff of the Prison Service of the Czech Republic and related services. We´ll continuously monitor the conditions to implement Case Management programs into Czech prisons, evaluate the impact of our efforts onto persons being supported persons´ further lives, as well as get feedback on our services. Thus, we shall raise public awareness of addiction issue "Under Lock & Key", as well as build positive icon of those who help obsolete/convinced drug users.
Summary of project results
Roughly half of prisoners in the Czech Republic are registered as drug users, almost 30% of convicts self-identify as problem drug users, and the number of such prisoners is constantly increasing. At the same time, addiction is one of the most common reasons for returning to prison, partly due to the fact that there is no connection between treatment and support for addicts during imprisonment and after release. Our aim was to establish a programme which would alow to provide comprehensive assistance before and after release from prison.
In collaboration with six partner non-governmental organizations, we implemented a case management programme for drug users from 12 prisons in Czechia. The aim was to stabilize their life situation after release, provide follow-up multidisciplinary support, and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. We conducted educational meetings and supervision sessions for case managers, which were important for learning and experience sharing. As part of our evaluation and research activities, we were assessing the project''s implementation process and its impact on the target group to facilitate learning and potential adjustments to the implementation plan and project activities. Through networking, we improved our collaboration with the Prison Service to foster openness in our mutual relationships and increase the awareness of support options for end-users. In our public relations activities, we informed about the availability of specialized care and its influence on the life prospects of its recipients.
We succeeded in ingagement of 433 clients, successfully supporting 322 in the penitentiary, with 192 receiving assistance after their release. Project outputs include for example 7 educational and supervisory events; drafting of 2 progress reports and 1 final evaluation report or 6 networking meetings of the organisations involved in our association. The project also enabled to strengthen our connection to the Czech Prison Service.
The project contributed to reducing the likelihood of recidivism related to problematic drug use and criminal activity among imprisoned and subsequently released drug users with cumulative risks and needs. A multidisciplinary network of service providers was established, integrating intensive case management methods into their practice, maintaining follow-up contact and continuously collaborating with the Prison Service to build on the knowledge gained from the project''s implementation.