CURRENT ISSUE      CENTRE FOR PENAL AND CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH      THE STAFF... (2003-2015)      ARCHIVE (ALL ISSUES)    Issue 7_eng -    



REPORTAGES

Issue 1 - September 2010


Print it     Send to a friend     Smaller  Larger Font size



Share |



"EPANODOS" (“Return” back to the society)
Rehabilitation Center for ex-prisoners
Presentation, challenges and objectives

 

by Melina Strougi,
Athens Law School student
 

We stand by them before & after their release
 
When all is said and done, how does society punish offenders? Are penalties imposed in an attempt to fight crime and prevent the repetition of future unlawfulness, or rather does it condemn the offenders to a lifetime of punishment? The status quo sees offenders continue to ΄pay΄ for their illegal acts, even after serving their sentences. For many, atonement never comes, and they continue to occupy the sidelines well after their alleged reintegration into society. This because when once out of prison, there is a serious possibility that all doors are closed to you, you are stigmatized, ultimately leading to a longer, hidden sentence lasting the rest of one’s life.

In some cases the legal & welfare state loses sight of its objective and, by hobbling ex-prisoners, often creates more problems than previously existed. What we really need are ways and solutions for an effective reintegration of ‘sinners’, who have already ‘paid’ their debt with deprivation of their liberty.
 
One rehabilitation center for ex-prisoners is ‘Epanodos’ (‘Return’). This is a relatively new, non-profit entity, provisions for which have existed in the Greek Correctional Code since 1999. As noted, however, by its staff, bureaucratic obstacles delayed the establishment of the entity, and effective operation began in 2007. Since May 2008 former inmates may visit the offices of ‘Epanodos’ (www.epanodos.org.gr) to receive psychological, legal and general support for their initial steps into society post -incarceration. The assistance available is substantial, and can meet needs for temporary housing, food, jobs and free travel on public transport. This is an organization in its infancy, and it is important to support its efforts to provide assistance for people in need.
 
About "EPANODOS"

EPANODOS operates under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Justice.

Its inception and operation has been effected under the Penitentiary Law (art. 81§2) and Presidential Decree 300/2003.

The Greek Minister of Justice appointed the board of EPANODOS in March 2007, upon which it began operating.

The primary objective of EPANODOS is the resettlement of ex-offenders back in to society, and mainly, to enhance and promote their working skills and abilities. In this way it helps them to access the labor market. EPANODOS also offers consulting and psychological support and tries to create the necessary  infrastructures for the ex-offenders.
 
The personnel consists of Criminologists, sociologists, psychologists and social workers, directed by Nestor Courakis, Professor of Criminology and Correctional policy in Law School of Athens and Director Ms. Fotini Milioni, Qualified Scientist and Collaborator in Law School of Athens

Our discussion with the latter, and Ms. Despina Tsaousidou, a social worker, is worth reproducing here.

- You come in contact with a significant number of ex-prisoners. What are they like in general, how do they behave?


D.T.: In general these people are very frustrated, very angry, they have difficulty trusting others. There are those who expect everything from you, as if you are all-powerful. Of course, it΄s also a way for them to communicate. The good thing is that ‘Epanodos’ enables them to speak to us, offers some stability, some continuity in this relationship. They know that "if I need it I will go there" and slowly with small steps they come to trust us. But this needs time and patience.


- Is there information in the prisons?

F.M.: There is a liaison with the Justice Department and some contacts in order to have support in the prison, because the preparation for release should begin from inside the prison. However, there are some prisons with no social welfare officers or qualified staff.


- Have you considered conducting information inside the prison?

D.T.
:This is a very good suggestion. It is possible, but this requires scientific expertise; we need more time, we also need permanent personnel. We are not permanent employees. There must be a long term effort in this direction. It cannot be done now whilst scientific collaborators may come and go... This lack of continuity and stability in employment is problematic for social services in Greece.

 
- How do you help with housing, sustenance and employment? Do the goals of ‘Epanodos’ for vocational training of prisoners include training to help them cope better with the demands of the workplace?
 
F.M.: For the newly released, ‘Epanodos’ provides accommodation in a hotel, paid for by us. It is temporary of course, for 10-15 days let’s say. Sustenance is provided too, and may be continuous under cooperation with the Greek Orthodox Church, the municipality and the Parish, according to which jurisdiction the ex-prisoners reside in, and special services of each institution.

Regarding the vocational aspect, we are forming a link with vocational training centers, which have submitted proposals to the relevant bodies in order to implement some training programs. So, with this connection we believe some of the beneficiaries of ‘Epanodos’ will be included in these programs, depending of course on their own requests and needs. There is collaboration with OAED (the Greek Employment Service) particularly for minors to be promoted into Apprenticeship programs.

Also, our consulting services include advisory services in addition to psychosocial support. We have contacted some 100 large-companies, informed them about our rehabilitation effort and have sought to create a ‘bank’ of employers who may in future recruit some ex-prisoners.


- Is the financial support you receive sufficient?


F.M.
:We are mainly funded by the Ministry of Justice, but there are donations from famous and anonymous citizens who assist the work of ‘Epanodos’. And indeed we have been positively received  in a society with active citizens who want to help each other. We set up a voluntary group and the response has been warm.

 
- How can the volunteer group assist the beneficiaries of ‘Epanodos’?
 
F.M.:There can be a bazaar, or an event, but it may also involve awareness-raising activities, such as setting up a booth in a central square to distribute brochures, etc. Or there may be smaller groups that approach citizens and others to inform them about ‘Epanodos’ and the stigma faced by ex-prisoners. Our volunteer team has already begun its first meeting with topics related to volunteerism and reintegration.


- What is the general profile of the average ex-prisoner who approaches ‘Epanodos’?


F.M.
: They come from all age groups, though it is mostly 35 to 50 years old. There are many foreigners here and there is a Legal Advisory Department to handle the residence issues. Most are men, of course, because the majority of prisoners are men. As for their requirements, it is mainly for work and financial aid.

They have committed a range of crimes, mostly drug-related, which is not surprising given that according to Greek criminological researches, most of incarcerated criminals are there on drug-related charges.


- Do you see the same faces over time?
 
D.T.: Yes they come often, since they are genuinely in need. Other times they are in need yet do not come. In many cases it is people whom nobody cares for and when you show a little interest they usually respond with surprise. I think the most important thing is for them to learn to ask for help when they need It, in an appropriate manner.


- May pride prevent them from coming to you?

C.F.
: Yes, pride is an issue... They think: “Sure, now they will tell me”, “I know, nothing is ever done”. We are an institution of the Ministry of Justice and they often see in us the guards, or the judge. They may express anger to our faces that is not directly aimed at us.


- Overall, is there progress being made with those who come? Does it improve their lives?

D.T.: The evaluation is difficult to make directly, because many times you say something now and it is exploited after a long period. There is a follow up monitoring and usually there are other needs that have emerged and will be identified at that moment. What we can measure is the number of ex-prisoners who have managed to get welfare relief, and will tell you with pleasure and relief "Thank you”. This is the direct feedback we get. And many times there are things that can seem so meaningless, such as writing a letter and sending it somewhere for them, but yet are important for them. They say “Thank you” and you say “I did not do anything; I am just doing my job."

 
- A general comment, is there something you would like to change?

D.T.
: The main issue for me is Greek social policy; it is right to fund welfare and ex-prisoners, as this is the only way to stop the course of crime, the reproduction of crime which does not benefit anyone. And there are others who just need an opportunity. When they get this they can progress. I recently got a phone-call from an ex-prisoner who had actually restored his life and wanted to volunteer with us. His message was very optimistic: "You know something; if you try hard you manage”.

 
Even though the latter comment makes a very good conclusion to this interview, it is worth adding that the individual effort that each of us makes is not enough. Recently I met a man on the street, around 30-35, with a blank look like he could not focus or was not accustomed to looking others in the eye. An wretched figure, wandering among the crowd claiming he had just been released and needed money to return to his village. I summoned the courage to talk to him about ‘Epanodos’, I had doubts myself, because he looked so hard to talk to. He reacted with surprise, as if I were from another planet; he seemed to have lost any human contact long ago. The result was disappointing. He repeated like a mantra that he wants to go to his village, and muttered that no one could help.
 
Naturally, the above case is a random incident; the man may have been misleading, but this is not the point. The point is that if any of these people who circulate like "empty vessels" really want help, it should be administered. Prisons should provide clear and accurate information to the prisoner on the existing organizations that can help smooth reintegration into society. We must understand that life does not end for a man in jail, nor should they be punished forever, stigmatized and marginalized.

Nobody said that things are perfect. Let us not contribute however, to the decline.

Where justice is absent let us build it ourselves.

 


Χριστίνα Ζαραφωνίτου
“Δεν μπορούσα να διανοηθώ ότι δε θ’ ασχοληθώ με την Εγκληματολογία”

more...
HACKERS

 
Προσεγγίζουμε το φαινόμενο των hackers...
 
• με την εργασία “hackers” του Βασίλη Καραγιαννόπουλου
 
• και τα πορίσματα της έρευνας “Η ΓΝΩΜΗ ΦΟΙΤΗΤΩΝ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ «ΧΑΚΕΡΣ»” που πραγματοποιήθηκε από το ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟ ΠΟΙΝΙΚΩΝ & ΕΓΚΛΗΜΑΤΟΛΟΓΙΚΩΝ ΕΡΕΥΝΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟΥ ΑΘΗΝΩΝ 


more...
editorial
Το Πανεπιστήμιο πιστεύουμε ότι δεν είναι μόνο βιβλία και εξετάσεις. Είναι και χώρος έρευνας, ανάπτυξης της σκέψης, συλλογής και μετάδοσης της πληροφορίας. Αυτές οι απόψεις συνδυασμένες με μια διάθεση δημιουργίας που υπάρχει τελευταία σε όσους συνεργάζονται με το Εργαστήριο Ποινικών και Εγκληματολογικών Ερευνών, απετέλεσαν και τις αιτίες και τις αφορμές για μια απόφαση και μια ανάληψη ευθυνών:
 
γεννηθήτω…  the art of crime
 
more...

ΑΚΗΣ ΠΑΝΟΥ:
«Νά ’χα τη δύναμη να κάνω κάποιο λάθος...»

 

«Είμαι αναρχικός με την πραγματική έννοια του όρου και όχι του βιτρινοθραύστη... Προσπαθώ να βάλλω εναντίον αυτού του συστήματος με το μόνο μέσον που διαθέτω: τη συνεχώς διαμορφούμενη λογική μου».
 
Η ζωή, το έργο, η δίκη και καταδίκη ενός από τους μεγαλύτερους λαϊκούς συνθέτες...
 
more...

ΤΣΕΖΑΡΕ ΛΟΜΠΡΟΖΟ
 
 
Σας παρουσιάζουμε την ζωή και το έργο του Τσέζαρε Λομπρόζο... Ο  ιταλός πανεπιστημιακός καθηγητής και εγκληματολόγος, ένας από τους μεγάλους εκπροσώπους της ιταλικής θετικής σχολής, έγινε γνωστός για τις μελέτες και τις θεωρίες του πάνω στη χαρακτηρολογία...
 
more...

Πρόληψη θυματοποίησης μετά από συναλλαγή σε ΑΤΜ
Η παρούσα στήλη παρουσιάζει πρακτικές συμβουλές για όλους μας ώστε να μη γινόμαστε εύκολος στόχος των εγκληματιών.
 
Σ΄αυτό το τεύχος σας παρουσιάζουμε συμβουλές προκειμένου να αποφευχθούν εγκλήματα που τελούνται εναντίον μας μετά από συναλλαγή μας σε κάποιο ΑΤΜ...
 
more...
Επιστημονική ημερίδα με θέμα: «Το πρόβλημα της παραβατικότητας στην Ελλάδα σήμερα και εφικτοί τρόποι αντιμετώπισής του»...

διοργανώνεται από την Κ.Ε.Δ.Κ.Ε., την Ελληνική Εταιρεία Εγκληματολογίας, το Ε.Π.Ε.Ε. και το ΚΕ.Σ.Π.ΠΑ. την Τετάρτη 17 Μαΐου 2006...



Συνέδριο με θέμα: «Ανήλικοι και παραβατικότητα»...

διοργανώνεται από το Ε.Π.Ε.Ε, τον Τομέα Εγκληματολογίας του Παντείου Πανεπιστημίου, το Σπουδαστήριο Κοινωνικών Μελετών του ΤΕΙ Μεσολογγίου και τον Ε.Ο.Φ.Ν. την Τρίτη 23.5.2006 και την Τετάρτη 24.5.2006...



Η 1η Συνάντηση Ελλήνων Εγκληματολόγων...

θα πραγματοποιηθεί στη Μυτιλήνη από τις 08/06 έως τις 11/06/2006 ...



ΠΟΙΝΙΚΗ ΑΝΤΙΜΕΤΩΠΙΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΕΞΑΡΤΗΜΕΝΩN ΑΠΟ ΝΑΡΚΩΤΙΚΕΣ ΟΥΣΙΕΣ ΠΑΡΑΒΑΤΩΝ
 
Οι τοξικομανείς αποτελούν μία από τις πιο αποκλεισμένες κοινωνικά ομάδες και είναι προφανές ότι ο ποινικός τους εγκλεισμός τους αποδίδει άλλη μία αρνητική ταυτότητα, η οποία επιτείνει τη συνείδηση του περιθωριοποιημένου και ωθεί περαιτέρω στη διατήρηση ενός φαύλου κύκλου στίγματος- αποκλεισμού- παραβατικότητας.
 
Μια παρουσίαση του νομικού πλαισίου της ποινικής αντιμετώπισης των εξαρτημένων από ναρκωτικές ουσίες παραβατών...
  
more...

Βγαίνουμε στο δρόμο και ΣΑΣ ρωτάμε:

 
Είστε υπέρ ή κατά της με κάθε μέσο διατήρησης στη ζωή ενός ανιάτως πάσχοντα ασθενούς ο οποίος : 
α) απευθύνει επίμονη και συνειδητή έκκληση για το μοιραίο;
β) είναι σε κώμα και η κατάστασή του περιγράφεται ως «μη αναστρέψιμη»;
 

more...

 
ΛΕΟΝΑΡΝΤΟ ΣΑΣΑ
‘Η ΗΜΕΡΑ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΥΚΟΥΒΑΓΙΑΣ’
 
Ο αριστερός συγγραφέας Λεονάρντο Σάσα (1921- 1989) είναι από τους λίγους διανοούμενους που, μέσα στον αναβρασμό ιδεών της δεκαετίας του ΄60 αλλά και της προκλητικής σιωπής και συνενοχής, αναδεικνύει το καυτό πρόβλημα της μαφίας και τη διαφθορά του πολιτικού συστήματος και προβλέπει τη βία που θα ξεσπούσε αργότερα από τους ακροαριστερούς και τη νέο-φασιστική δεξιά. Όλα αυτά στο βιβλίο του "Η Ημέρα της Κουκουβάγιας"...

more...
Συνάντηση με τον Ηλία...
 
... Τον Ηλία τον εντοπίσαμε μέσω του Υπουργείου Δικαιοσύνης στη Δικαστική Φυλακή Κορυδαλλού και συναντηθήκαμε μαζί του στα τέλη Μαϊου του 1999 σε έναν ειδικά διαμορφωμένο χώρο στον κήπο του αρχιφυλακείου...
 
Αρκετά συμπαθητική φυσιογνωμία, με λεπτά χαρακτηριστικά και ανήσυχο βλέμμα... Θέμα της συζήτησης "η ζωή πίσω από τα σίδερα". Και πολλά άλλα...
 
more...


JOURNAL "SOCIAL SCIENCES"

Constanteion - Centre of Criminology & Psychology Researches

Federation of Prison Officers

Professor Nestor Courakis

Ministry of Citizen Protection

I feel safe

Ministry of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights

Hellenic Supreme Court of Civil and Penal Law

ex-offenders

Professor Giannis Panousis

Centre for Psychoanalytic Research

Sector of Criminal Sciences - Faculty of Law - National & Kapodistrian University of Athens

Association of greek criminologists - Panteion University

Centre of Social Research - Technological Education Institute of Messolonghi

Sector of Criminology - Panteion University

Sector of Penal and Criminological Sciences - Faculty of Law - Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

European Court of Human Rights - Search Portal

Hellenic League for Human Rights

Marangkopoulos Foundation for Human Rights

Faculty of Law - National & Kapodistrian University of Athens

Centre for Penal and Criminological Research

Terms of Use  :    Contact  :    Developed & hosted by Nomiki Bibliothiki SA