5 Support for social reintegration

Penal institutions implement support necessary for inmates to lead a social life, such as securing housing, employment and welfare services, by anticipating post-release needs and identifying support requirements from an early stage following commencement of execution of a sentence, for the purpose of facilitating their smooth reintegration into society.

(1) Employment support

In order to secure employment for inmates upon their release, the Ministry of Justice assigns employment support staff to penal institutions and juvenile training schools and, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, implements comprehensive employment support measures for released inmates.

(2) Welfare support

In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Justice has been making special adjustments in correctional institutions and probation offices so that elderly inmates or inmates with disabilities who have no suitable place to return to can receive appropriate welfare services such as nursing care, medical care, and pension promptly after their release. This initiative requires effective cooperation with welfare-related organizations, etc., and is centered on support centers for settlement established by each prefecture under the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Community Settlement Promotion Project. Under this initiative, the support to the inmates is provided in cooperation between criminal justice agencies and welfare authorities.