NCJ Number
82839
Journal
Bewaehrungshilfe Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: (1980) Pages: 382-392
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A living project for probationers in West Berlin, operative since 1977, supports juveniles and young adults in stable, independent living situations aimed to further their reintegration and forestall renewed criminal involvement.
Abstract
The program rents apartments in various parts of Berlin and sublets them to probationers for up to 12 months. Residents have a say in the choice of furnishings and equipment, are responsible to the program for maintenance or replacement, and pay a 'user fee' for the flat and its appointments. After the program period is up, landlords have the option of continuing to lease the apartment to the same individual, this time through a direct contract between them. Probation officers act as intermediates in making the housing arrangements and securing social assistance payments, should the probationer be unable to find a job or become unemployed. Neighborhood probation offices with deliberately casual decor are used as consultation sites. Living privileges can be forfeited by repeated failure to meet payments or by wanton abuse of the property. Probationers suffering from drug abuse or needing medical care are not eligible. The program currently has 27 apartments sublet to 33 probationers and 22 relations (partners and children). Five additional apartments adjacent to the counseling sites are reserved for crisis shelter needs. The program's decentralized format forestalls groupings of delinquency-oriented peers and provides the opportunity for exercising personal responsibility in managing the arrangements of private life. Various facets of program expenses are subsidized by the social assistance service.