Fine default and short-term prisoners with substance abuse problems benefit from rehabilitation outside prison

The study examined the impact of the Fine Default Prisoner Project, which was carried out between 2021 and 2023, and specifically how it affected prisoners’ criminal behaviour and what kind of experience the substance abuse rehabilitation outside prison was. Placement in an outside institution means that a prisoner is placed for a short period in an institution outside prison for substance abuse rehabilitation or other goal-oriented treatment and activities. 

The study assessed how the project met its objectives and what kind of challenges there were with network-based cooperation. The Prison and Probation Service carried out the Fine Default Prisoner Project in cooperation with the National Enforcement Authority Finland, the Health Care Services for Prisoners, the wellbeing services counties, and the substance abuse treatment units providing rehabilitation services. 

Recidivism was lower among those in substance abuse rehabilitation 

Overall, recidivism among those placed in substance abuse rehabilitation was lower than in the control group. Prisoners who discontinued their placement were more likely to reoffend than the control group and those who completed substance abuse rehabilitation. 

According to the findings of the study, placement in outside substance abuse rehabilitation was a particularly effective measure when it was appropriately targeted. 

In the Fine Default Prisoner Project, efforts were made to place especially those who were poorly integrated into the normal services of society and passive regarding their criminal case in substance abuse rehabilitation. The aim was to offer them opportunities for change despite their higher risk of discontinuation and recidivism. 

Key factors identified as supporting desistance included sufficient duration of substance abuse rehabilitation, well-timed approach to substance abuse problems, and attachment to follow-up treatment groups already during the rehabilitation period. 

Arrangement of practical matters considered important 

Successfully completing substance abuse rehabilitation outside prison did not in itself guarantee a crime-free life; rather, ensuring continuity of services and other practical matters, such as housing, during rehabilitation were crucial. 

 – Substance abuse rehabilitation outside prison, carried out as network-based cooperation, appeared to be a functional partnership. However, the quality of the cooperation was limited by local variation in cooperation structures and the time pressure caused by short sentences, says Senior Researcher Jukka Leinonen. 

The study focused on fine default prisoners with multiple and complex needs. The aim of the project was to address the social, economic, and health problems underlying their criminal behaviour. 

Final report of the evaluation and impact study of the Fine Default Prisoner Project (abstract in English)

Further information: 

Senior Researcher Jukka Leinonen
Tel. +358 29 56 88563 
firstname.lastname@om.fi