White paper on crime 2010 Part2/Chapter4/Section5
From the point of view of alleviating the problem of overcrowding and utilizing a new system in the operation of penal institutions the PFI (Private Finance Initiative) method (a method of constructing, maintaining, and operating public facilities utilizing the funds and know-how of the private sector) is being developed in accordance with the Act on Promotion of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) (Act No. 117 of 1999). As the first project that utilizes the PFI method the Mine Rehabilitation Program Center (detention capacity of 1,000 persons in FY 2009) was constructed in Mine City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and which commenced operation in April 2007 as the first prison operated in a partnership between the public and private sectors. The Kitsuregawa Rehabilitation Program Center (2,000 persons (id.)) and Harima Rehabilitation Program Center (1,000 persons (id.)) both then commenced operation in October 2007 and the Shimane Asahi Rehabilitation Program Center (2,000 persons (id.)) in October 2008.
At these rehabilitation program centers, and in order to facilitate the smooth reintegration of inmates back into society, a variety of vocational training is provided that utilizes the know-how and ideas of the private sector, including training for food coordinators and system engineers, acquisition of personal computer skills, and obtaining home helper qualifications, etc. In addition, guidance for reform that is based on various distinctive educational programs is also being implemented. For example, a social action program (puppy program) operated in cooperation with the Japan Guide Dog Association in which inmates provide basic socializing training to puppies aged 12 months or younger is being implemented as general guidance for reform at Shimane Asahi Rehabilitation Program Center.