Rehabilitation programme for former prisoners reviewed

The Georgian Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani has evaluated the outcomes of a rehabilitation program initiated by her five years ago, titled Rehabilitation and Resocialization Program for Former Prisoners.

The minister stated that between 2012 and 2017:

• 3,345 former prisoners addressed the Justice Ministry to benefit from the program.
• 527 inmates found jobs.
• 1,233 prisoners have undergone various professional trainings.
• 308 beneficiaries received municipal transport cards free of charge.
• 311 former prisoners have received free of charge psychological assistance.
• 106 business ideas by 108 former prisoners have been financed.
• 823 former prisoners have used health care services free of charge. 
• 643 former prisoners have used free legal services.
• 123 former prisoners have removed tattoos, free of charge. 
• 65 of the former inmates were underage individuals.
• 532 former prisoners have participated in free sport and health activities.

Participation in the program is voluntary. As soon as a former prisoner asks for support a social worker evaluates his/her needs and offers some of the following services within the program.

Works by former inmates. Photo from the Justice Ministry press office. 

• Psychological support.
• Support for health-related problems.
• Professional trainings and help to find a job.
• Support for family members of a former inmate.
• Legal support.

Tsulukiani stated the program is very important to prevent future crimes and help former prisoners start new lives.