Probation houses – a solution for recidivism
Prison overpopulation and a large share of people returning to a life of crime after their release – the so-called recidivism, are long-term problems in the Czech justice system. Probation houses offer a unique opportunity to tackle both issues.
Probation houses are one of the most open types of penal institutions. They are a place for offenders sentenced to an alternative punishment, either through conditional release, also known as parole or during their sentencing in court. They are run by probation officers who serve as social workers and advisors rather than guards.
Gradual transition to freedom helps newly released offenders adjust to the new environment, reducing the likelihood of reoffending. The governing philosophy of a probation house is based on trust and responsibility.
