Les Mecanismes de la Réinsertion Sociale des Détenus en Algerie
The Mechanisms of Social Reintegration of Prisoners in Algeria

Author(s): Abla Rouag-Djanidi
Subject(s): Social Norms / Social Control, Penal Policy
Published by: Publishing Inc. European Readings & Prodifmultimedia/Editura Napoca Star
Summary/Abstract: Social reintegration requires work on the entire issue of the inmate: education, training, administrative situation, family situation (isolation, divorce, distant family, etc.), health (alcohol problems, drug addiction), accommodation, etc. The programs and mechanisms for the social reintegration of prisoners undertaken by Algeria show that the foundations for social reintegration are well laid in Algeria. However, obstacles to social integration remain numerous, and can largely explain the ever-increasing recidivism rates. On the one hand, on a sociological level, prejudices and the negative image of prisoners within society, firstly among families who often reject their imprisoned relatives (especially when they are women), and do not always contribute to the reintegration process, and secondly among job providers, restrict the possibilities of prisoners to reintegrate professionally and socially. Not to mention the difficulties preceding their detention (unemployment, debts, lack of housing, etc.) which often persist and await prisoners upon their release. On the other hand, the very philosophy of social reintegration is being strongly questioned and is difficult to reconcile with the closed environment of penitentiary establishments and security regulations. The contradiction between security imperatives and social reintegration is a constraint that must be addressed. The greatest obstacle seems to us to be the lack of prospects for prisoners, resulting from the limitations of preparation for social reintegration, and which generally leads to poor social integration, which is itself the cause of recidivism.

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