Vocational Training as a Factor in the Rehabilitation of Inmates in Institutions for Enforcing Penal Sanctions

Abstract

Numerous studies show that the educational level, work experience and skills of prisoners are below the average of the general population. The low level of qualifications has negative effects on the employment prospects of inmates after release from prison, and it was found that it is one of the key factors for recidivism. Therefore, education and vocational training has a special significance for inmates in institutions for enforcing penal sanctions. Basically there are a few prison programs that prepare inmates for life after prison, including: educational programs, vocational training, prison industry and developing skills for employment. Education, vocational training and work engagement of inmates in institutions for enforcing penal sanctions in the Republic of Serbia are discussed in this paper. The following options are available for them while serving a prison sentence: completing educational level provided by education system in the Republic of Serbia, vocational training for certificates of competency in particular craft and work engagement within or out the institution for enforcing penal sanctions. However, small number of inmates is using the resources available to obtain higher level of education while serving their sentence.