Afstaða (Perspective) association advocating prisoners and ex prisoners Iceland

Overview:

The primary objective of the association is to foster opportunities for prisoners, emphasising responsibility and rehabilitation, with the ultimate aim of creating conducive conditions for a successful reintegration into society. The organisation recognizes and addresses the needs of prisoners’ relatives, families, friends, and anyone affected by their relationships with inmates. Afstaða actively encourages all incarcerated individuals to engage in positive and noble actions, aiming to sustain their hope and tangible goals both during and after imprisonment. The association is committed to supporting education and providing assistance to prisoners to the extent possible. Furthermore, the association intends to educate and enlighten various stakeholders and the broader community about prisons, exploring the causes of imprisonment and exploring its consequences.

Learning Objectives:

  • Provide comprehensive information to both current and former prisoners about available support systems and resources.
  • Advocate for open imprisonment, especially for first-time offenders with sentences less than 6 years. Aiming to shield them from the potentially harsh prison environment, often contributing to criminal behaviours instead of fostering rehabilitation.
  • Increase opportunities for prisoners to engage in education outside the prison environment during their incarceration.
  • Guarantee that released prisoner access to a social worker to facilitate rehabilitation and a successful reintegration into society.
  • Enhance family bonds during incarceration by organising weekend visits and creating a welcoming environment for family interactions.
  • Address various topics, including e-supervision and parole, to contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to rehabilitation and reintegration.

The resource:

Estimated Duration:

N/A

Additional Resources

Objectives in Icelandic https://www.afstada.is/um-felagid.html

Authors and References

Afstaða