POST PENAL ASSISTANCE OF EX-PRISONERS

The case of the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

The author of the paper deals with the issue of post penal
assistance of ex-prisoners. The author gives a review of the best
practicies of implementation of the post penal assistance, namely the
Anglo-Saxon countries. The paper analyses the application of the post
penal assistance of ex-prisoners in the Republic of Macedonia. Post
penal assistance is seen as an extended treatment of the convict. This
form of treatment is an element of re-socialization as a continuous
process aimed at successful engagement of the ex-prisoner in the
lawful life. Post penal assistance can be internal, that is
encouragement and advice of the convicts to solve their own problems
they would face immediately after release from the penal institution.
On the other hand is the external assistance that is manifested through
various forms, such as: providing temporary accommodation and
nutrition, providing necessary treatment, selection of a new
environment in which the convicted person will live, assisting in
arranging family situation, finding suitable employment, enabling to
finish school, providing financial assistance to cover the most
necessary needs, etc. External post penal assistance is the real after
care of ex-prisoners. Post penal assistance as a form of treatment
provides achievement of the principles of humanity in the execution of
criminal sanctions. Measures taken by the institutions and bodies
responsible for post penal assistance should be in accordance with the
needs of prisoners.