“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced,”

– Baldwin

METHODOLOGY

Methodology refers to the systematic and theoretical analysis of the methods applied in a detention facility. Methods can consist of a general approach or philosophy or specific rehabilitation programmes. Think of the Good Lives Model; the Risks-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model; Consequence Pedagogy; See-Think-Act; the (former) Skeyby model with a mixture of plus and minus residents etc.

The methodology employed in small-scale forms of detention can vary depending on the purpose of time in detention, the individual and staff. Methodology aims to create a supportive and comfortable environment for both residents and staff in small-scale detention houses, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being. Use of methodology does not have to be a single, rigid methodology, but one can also employ a variety of methods and mechanisms to achieve its goals. Within the criminal justice system, the effectiveness of a certain methodology often relies on the willingness of other stakeholders to collaborate and implement the standards and recommendations put forth by the organisation.

core questions

01.
Research shows that more consistent methods and philosophies tend to lead to a higher quality of life in the facility (i.e. consistency in the way in which management-staff-incarcerated people are interacting with each other). What method or methods/approaches would fit the ecosystem of detention houses?
02.
How does a consistent method or approach apply to different levels of autonomy or liberty restrictions?
03.
How do you support autonomy for staff while applying a specific methodology?
Methodology" refers to the systematic and theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. The methodology employed in small-scale forms of detention can vary depending on the purpose of time in detention, the individual and staff.

METHODOLOGY

Methodology refers to the systematic and theoretical analysis of the methods applied in a detention facility. Methods can consist of a general approach or philosophy or specific rehabilitation programmes. Think of the Good Lives Model; the Risks-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) model; Consequence Pedagogy; See-Think-Act; the (former) Skeyby model with a mixture of plus and minus residents etc.


The methodology employed in small-scale forms of detention can vary depending on the purpose of time in detention, the individual and staff. Methodology aims to create a supportive and comfortable environment for both residents and staff in small-scale detention houses, emphasizing a holistic approach to well-being. Use of methodology does not have to be a single, rigid methodology, but one can also employ a variety of methods and mechanisms to achieve its goals. Within the criminal justice system, the effectiveness of a certain methodology often relies on the willingness of other stakeholders to collaborate and implement the standards and recommendations put forth by the organisation.

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core questions

01.
Research shows that more consistent methods and philosophies tend to lead to a higher quality of life in the facility (i.e. consistency in the way in which management-staff-incarcerated people are interacting with each other). What method or methods/approaches would fit the ecosystem of detention houses?
02.
How does a consistent method or approach apply to different levels of autonomy or liberty restrictions?
03.
How do you support autonomy for staff while applying a specific methodology?

COMMUNITY​

Meet colleagues across Europe pursuing the same goal. Contribute your knowledge to the community. Be the first to hear the latest developments on small scale forms of detention. Unlock your curiosity and become part of the RESCALED community.

PART III. FACILITY

Social Climate - Methodology

Art. 44

Methodology

  1. Detention houses are striving to approximate normal life as closely as possible and to deviate only when it directly serves the goals of the detention house or the individual goals of a person in detention.
  2. A tailor-made approach is required in detention houses at all times, and deviations from this are allowed only if they contribute directly to the purpose of a detention house.
  3. Differentiation shall focus on placing people in the best context according to needs and conditions that fit the person deprived of their liberty.
  4. Staff working in detention houses shall be able to support a large variety of cognitive, psychological and social challenges.
  5. A specific methodology shall form the framework of a set of procedures or protocols that are in place to secure the safety, security, rights and well-being of the people living and working in a detention house.
  6. The level to which a specific methodology is implemented shall be considered on an individual level and shall focus primarily on the individual’s strong characteristics and abilities as well as the strong characteristics and abilities of the staff member.
  7. Staff training shall be taken into account before a specific methodology is implemented. 
  8. In the application of the methodology, consideration shall be given to group dynamics.
  9. A one-to-one relationship where practical support and monitoring provided by mentors on a wide range of issues relating to offending behaviour shall be available to people in detention houses to support compliance with court orders.
Art. 45

Application

  1. The methodology used in a detention house shall be documented and defined in a method book.
  2. The methodology outlined in the method book shall be verifiable. This means it should be transparent and clearly articulated.
  3. The methodology shall be rooted in insights from scientific research. It should be based on established theories, empirical evidence and best practices supported by relevant fields of study, such as psychology, criminology or social work.
  4. The method book shall be a dynamic document that is constantly updated to reflect the latest findings and developments in research.
  5. At the core of the methodology is the concept of the "working alliance" between the professional and the person in detention. The methodology shall emphasize the importance of building and maintaining a positive working relationship to achieve the best results.
  6. Regular evaluation and quality assurance measures shall be taken to assess the effectiveness of the methodology. Data and feedback should be collected to ensure that the methodology is achieving its intended results and to identify. areas for improvement

THE EUROPEAN RULES ON DETENTION HOUSES​

The European Rules on Detention Houses (ERDH) is a milestone document for the criminal justice system and reflects the larger impact of this system on society. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of Europe, the ERDH were launched on October 31st as common standards to implement small-scale, differentiated and community-integrated detention houses in the European Union, as part of a pivotal change already happening in criminal justice systems across Europe. The ERDH set out the ecosystem of a detention house on its own and as part of, and within a community and society, emphasizing sustainability. As the European Prison Rules have been common standards for large-scale prison institutions, the European Rules on Detention Houses shall form essential standards for detention houses, in order to guarantee a way of liberty deprivation that is humane and more fit for the 21stcentury.

THE EUROPEAN RULES ON DETENTION HOUSES​​

The European Rules on Detention Houses (ERDH) is a milestone document for the criminal justice system and reflects the larger impact of this system on society. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of Europe, the ERDH were launched on October 31st as common standards to implement small-scale, differentiated and community-integrated detention houses in the European Union, as part of a pivotal change already happening in criminal justice systems across Europe. The ERDH set out the ecosystem of a detention house on its own and as part of, and within a community and society, emphasizing sustainability. As the European Prison Rules have been common standards for large-scale prison institutions, the European Rules on Detention Houses shall form essential standards for detention houses, in order to guarantee a way of liberty deprivation that is humane and more fit for the 21stcentury.

PART III. FACILITY

Social Climate - Methodology

Art. 44

Methodology

  1. Detention houses are striving to approximate normal life as closely as possible and to deviate only when it directly serves the goals of the detention house or the individual goals of a person in detention.
  2. A tailor-made approach is required in detention houses at all times, and deviations from this are allowed only if they contribute directly to the purpose of a detention house.
  3. Differentiation shall focus on placing people in the best context according to needs and conditions that fit the person deprived of their liberty.
  4. Staff working in detention houses shall be able to support a large variety of cognitive, psychological and social challenges.
  5. A specific methodology shall form the framework of a set of procedures or protocols that are in place to secure the safety, security, rights and well-being of the people living and working in a detention house.
  6. The level to which a specific methodology is implemented shall be considered on an individual level and shall focus primarily on the individual’s strong characteristics and abilities as well as the strong characteristics and abilities of the staff member.
  7. Staff training shall be taken into account before a specific methodology is implemented. 
  8. In the application of the methodology, consideration shall be given to group dynamics.
  9. A one-to-one relationship where practical support and monitoring provided by mentors on a wide range of issues relating to offending behaviour shall be available to people in detention houses to support compliance with court orders.
Art. 45

Application

  1. The methodology used in a detention house shall be documented and defined in a method book.
  2. The methodology outlined in the method book shall be verifiable. This means it should be transparent and clearly articulated.
  3. The methodology shall be rooted in insights from scientific research. It should be based on established theories, empirical evidence and best practices supported by relevant fields of study, such as psychology, criminology or social work.
  4. The method book shall be a dynamic document that is constantly updated to reflect the latest findings and developments in research.
  5. At the core of the methodology is the concept of the "working alliance" between the professional and the person in detention. The methodology shall emphasize the importance of building and maintaining a positive working relationship to achieve the best results.
  6. Regular evaluation and quality assurance measures shall be taken to assess the effectiveness of the methodology. Data and feedback should be collected to ensure that the methodology is achieving its intended results and to identify areas for improvement.

European organisations

Publications

Publications

On (measuring) recidivism, penal populism and the future of recidivism research: neuropenology
Measuring the Quality of Prison Life
Obedience to Authority: Milgram
Juvenile Prison in Free Forms „Seehaus“
Stanford Prison Experiment
The Houses. Towards a sustainable penitentiary approach
Quality of life better in small prisons

Learning Lab #8 Methodology

There are different kind of methodologies that can be adopted as the working method in a detention house. A methodology can form the framework of a set of procedures or protocols that are in place to secure the safety, security and well-being of the people living and working in a detention house. What are the different methodologies that are integrated into the design of small-scale forms of detention in Europe? In the video, methodology is discussed with Tobias Merckle from Seehaus in Germany and Berit Johnson from Norway.

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core values

Together, we want to create a space where everyone can feel accepted and respected – regardless of gender identity, skin colour, religion, ethnicity or ability. We assume that all participants come to our events with the best intentions and treat each other with respect.

Event measures will follow the sustainability charter for the EU2024 Presidency and give substance to the pursuit of sustainable consumption and production, the fight against global warming, the preservation of nature and biodiversity, the integration of the perspective of gender equality into policies, and the full participation of persons with disabilities on an equal footing with other citizens.