Report on the Drug Situation 2010 - Bundesministerium für ...

practitioners and psychiatrists). In 2009, a total of 1 533 detainees used theseservices, which is an increase by 10% compared to 2008 (Dialog 2010b).9.6 Reintegration of drug users after release fromprisonThe majority of reintegration measures for drug users is also open to former prisoners.Specific information on the reintegration of (former) drug users after release fromprison is available in a diploma thesis that investigates the voluntary probationassistance service for inmates granted prison leave 37 (Grubinger 2009).Imprisonment under eased conditions as well as prison leave granted to inmates of theprison of Favoriten (Vienna) aims at making it possible for prisoners to prepare for thetime after imprisonment under conditions near to real life. When inmates aretransferred from regular wards to this type of imprisonment, the services delivered nolonger focus on addiction and treating addiction but on managing everyday life. Duringthis stage, social workers primarily provide advice and support, also in a confrontationalway. Prisoners are encouraged to find perspectives for life after release and toprepare for this step. In addition, inmates granted eased conditions or prison leave aresupported by the voluntary probation officers of the Neustart association who haveattended an obligatory selection course organised by the Association of ProbationAssistance (Grubinger 2009).Among the prisoners surveyed, 10 out of 17 said that the services by the probationofficers were helpful as this was an opportunity to talk about problems. Five of therespondents mentioned that the officers helped them find a flat; four indicated supportregarding contacts to authorities, and three, regarding addiction problems. Thethemes addressed most often in the talks with the probation officers were housing,family matters, employment and addiction. Issues such as relapse, private problems,jobs and problems with authorities played a prominent role. The frequency of meetings(every two weeks) was regarded as exactly right by most of the inmates. A majoritywere very satisfied or mostly satisfied with the services delivered, and 11 of them said37The empirical section of the diploma thesis is based on a questionnaire survey, in which inmates (8 womenand 9 men) indicated their views of the individual support services by the probation officers, and the teamof probation officers (9 people) as well as the heads of the two prison-leave departments (men's and women'sprisons) shared their experience.88 © GÖG/ÖBIG, <strong>Report</strong> on the Drug Situation 2010