Introductory Handbook on the Prevention of Recidivism and the Social Reintegration of Offenders

This Introductory Handbook on the Prevention of Recidivism and the Social Reintegration of
Offenders is a revised version of the 2012 publication with the same title. It is part of a series
of practical tools developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
to support countries in preventing crime, implementing criminal justice reforms and strengthening the rule of law. The tools are meant to assist countries in implementing United Nations
standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice. The publication focuses on
the prevention of recidivism and emphasizes the crucial importance of effective programmes
to supervise and assist offenders and support their social reintegration. Incarcerated offenders
face very real challenges at the time of their release, and communities become unsafe when
offenders are released without adequate preparation, supervision or support.  The Handbook introduces readers to promising practices and programmes for reducing recidivism by addressing the social reintegration challenges faced by all offenders, in particular by
those who are or have been incarcerated. The tool can be used in a variety of contexts, including as part of technical assistance and capacity-building projects. It is meant, however,
to be particularly helpful in supporting reforms and programme development in low- and
middle-income countries. The target audience of the Handbook is anyone involved in the
criminal justice process, including policymakers, legislators, judges, law enforcement officials,
prison managers and staff, probation and parole officers, service providers, members of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders interested in crime prevention
and the treatment of offenders.

Preface

I.                 Introduction

II.                Why invest in the social reintegration of offenders?

A. Relevant international standards and norms

B. What are social reintegration programmes?

C. The link between social reintegration and public safety

D. The prevention of recidivism and related risk factors

III.              How to invest in the social reintegration of offenders

A. Mapping the legal framework and collecting relevant data

B. Fostering inter-agency cooperation

IV.              Prison-based rehabilitation programmes

A. Relevant international standards and norms

B. Offender assessments

C. Programme categories

D. Pre-release interventions and arrangements

V.               Post-release services and supervision

A. Relevant international standards and norms

B. Aftercare and re-entry assistance

C. Early release programmes

D. Offender supervision and the role of the community

VI.              Non-custodial sanctions

A. Relevant international standards and norms

B. Sentencing policies and social inquiry reports

C. Probation and community service

D. Diversion and restorative justice

VII.            Special categories of offenders

A. Children in conflict with the law

B. Women offenders

C. Other offenders with special needs or posing special risks

Annex. Other relevant publications of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Glossary  

UNODC

UNODC (2018). Introductory Handbook on the Prevention of Recidivism and the Social Reintegration of Offenders. United Nations Office on Drug and Crime. 18-02303_ebook.pdf (unodc.org)