1 Treatment indexes and treatment guidelines
The core of correctional treatment for sentenced inmates consists of work, guidance for reform, and guidance in school courses. The content and delivery of treatment must be tailored to the individual characteristics and circumstances of each sentenced inmate (principle of individualized treatment).
Each penal institution conducts assessment of the individual characteristics and circumstances of each inmate (treatment assessment), utilizing specialized knowledge and techniques, such as medicine, psychology, pedagogy, and sociology. Detailed assessment is conducted at designated penal institutions (assessment centers) for newly sentenced inmates aged less than 26 and those inmates who need specific assessment to be enrolled in special guidance for reform.
After the assessment (including assessment at assessment centers) at the commencement of execution of sentences, penal institutions designate one or more treatment indexes to each inmate at the commencement of the sentence. The treatment indexes take into account the types and contents of correctional treatment, and characteristics and criminal tendencies of the inmate. Table 2-4-2-1 shows the number of inmates as of the end of 2017 by their treatment indexes.
Table 2-4-2-1 Sentenced inmates by treatment indexes
The treatment guideline that indicates the goals, basic content and methods of correctional treatment is specified for each sentenced inmate in accordance with the result of the treatment assessment that takes place upon commencement of execution of the sentence. Correctional treatment is implemented based on the treatment guidelines.