Prison S ystem i n Latvia ___________________________

1. Prison System in Latvia___________________________ Ilguciema prison Social Rehabilitation Department senior inspector, psychologist Mg.psych. Nataļja Dimarska 9 of March, 2012

2. The Structure of the Latvian Prison Administration

3. The Latvian Prison Administration Subordination Structure

4. Numberof Prisoners (01.01.2012.) • Total number - 6561 • - 4511sentenced • 2035under pre-trial detention • 15 under arrest

5. Length of Sentences (Imprisonment) • Average length of imprisonment in Latvia - 7,5years

6. Numberof Sentenced Prisoners By Age Groups (01.01.2012.) • Under 18 years old - 24 • 18-21 years old – 255 persons • 22-25 years old - 693 persons • 26-30 years old - 957 persons • 31-40 years old - 1424 persons • 41-50 years old - 773 persons • 51-60 years old – 318 persons • Older than 61 years old (seniors) - 82 persons

7. The Dynamics of Increasing Quantity of Sentenced Persons Older than 61 Years Old

8. The Percentage Proportion of Sentenced Seniors in Relation to All Population of Prisoners

9. Possibilities of Resocialization

10. Resocialization Performance in 2011 • 2787 of prisoners were involved into education activities (43% from all population of prisoners) • 1224 of prisoners were employed (21,45% from all population of prisoners(commercial working places – 11,23%,prison domestic servants – 10,26%)

11. 32% of all population of prisoners were involved into psychological treatment activities 59% of all population of prisoners were involved into activities of solving social problems 35% of all population of prisoners were involved intoorganized spare time activities. Resocialization Performance in 2011

12. Resocialization Programsin 2011 31 resocialization programs werecarried out : • 14 social rehabilitation programs • 17 programs of social behavior correction Additionally10 programs of Christian education were carried out.

13. Resocialization Activities For Prisoners Over 50 Years Old Ilguciema female prison & womenresourcecenter “Marta”.January 2012“Mutual self-help correction groups in Latvian regions and Iļģuciema prison.(Self-help groups – Let’s help each other!)”for seniors.

14. Aim of the Project To promote development of ability to joina society in adaptive way and to form a healthy way of life, correcting senior-females’ self-perception, motivation, behavioral models and strategies by methods and techniques of the self-help groups in Latvian regions and in Iļģuciema female prison.

15. “Mutual Self-Help Correction Group in Ilguciema Female Prison. (Self-Help Group – Let’s Help Each Other!)” • Target group– females • in senior age, • who are under risk • of social isolation • and poverty.

16. “Mutual Self-Help Correction Group in Ilguciema Female Prison. (Self-Help Group – Let’s Help Each Other!)” • Duration – 3 months and 6 months • Criteria of selection for participation: • - age • - voluntary involvement • - length of term

17. Group Process 11 - sentenced woman in senior age. • Group leader. • Group leader assistant. Group meeting – once a week. Length of meeting - 2 hours.

18. Group’s General Rules • Confidentiality • Tolerance and acceptance • Supportive attention to the person who is speaking • Using "I" statements • To share, not to give advice • Avoid making judgments • The right to speak & the right to remain silent • The right to ask questions &the right to refuse toanswer • Avoid side conversations and interrupting • Not discussingthose group members who are not present

19. Group Process Only the individual can take the actions to bring change into her life, but a unique strength in group membershipcan help a person to mobilize her energiesand attain a sense of well-being.

20. Group’s Initial Focus • Share the feelings and experiences. • Discuss new ways to solve old problems. • Find ways to reduce stress and anxiety. • Exchange information and resources.

21. Knowing That They Are Not Alone...

22. Enjoy Your Life !!!

23. Thank You For Your Attention!