This Guide presents an assessment method applicable to Finnish prison inmates. The method helps standardize assessments carried out on inmates in prisons. Assessments carried out in institutions according to the method are comparable and have greater reliability.

Current legislation contains several provisions that prsecribe that inmate assessments must be carried out because:
− substantiated assessments make practices clearer
− informed and reasoned assessments facilitate decision making
− a uniform assessment method reduces conflicts and helps standardize operations
− effective assessments improve institutional security

Assessments of working capacity and its component factors are prepared by staff who monitor, guide and supervise participation in activities. These assessments can be made equally well by cousellors, foremen or supervisory staff.

The method is based on preparatory work carried out by a project group, which developed assessments of work programs during 1997-1998. The project group consisted of 20 individuals from three different prisons (Käyrä Labour Colony, Sukeva Central Prison and Turku Central Prison). The work of the project group was supervised by the Department of Prison Administration. The project group completed its proposal in spring 1998. The method has been undergoing testing and assessments have been carried out on more than 6,500 inmates since then.

The Guide consists of the following units:
1. Method rationale
2. For what purpose are assessments needed?
3. How binding are the assessments?
4. Assessment topics. What assessments should be carried out?
4.1. Working capacity
4.2. Substance dependence and drug use
4.3. Social attachments and life situation
4.4. Need for institutional security
4.5. Using documented information
5. How and when are the assessments carried out?
6. How and where are the assessments recorded?

The method continues to evolve, thanks to follow-up and further development work. Suggestions for improvements are welcome.

(433kB) Assessment Method for Evaluating the Working Capacity of Prison Inmates