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Reintegrating into Society

Navigating the time of a sentence

In prison, time is the first thing that is taken away: it becomes opaque, difficult to measure, often impossible to control.

In prison, time is the first thing that is taken away: it becomes opaque, difficult to measure, often impossible to control.

What the law says

The Prison System Act provides that, well before the end of a sentence, a person may access benefits and measures that mark concrete steps towards reintegration into outside life:

  • working outside
  • day release and licences
  • alternative measures
  • early release

What happens in reality

Despite the law, the numbers tell a different story. Rights that exist on paper, but remain inaccessible for the majority. In 2023:

  • only 27% of Italian inmates accessed alternative measures (DAP, Ministry of Justice)
  • only 4% worked outside under Article 21
  • reward leave was granted to less than 10% of the prison population
  • early release

Working outside

Working outside allows inmates and internees to work outside prison, as part of the social reintegration process.

What it is for

  • Promotes resocialisation
  • Anticipates reintegration into society
  • Helps to concretely assess the inmate's capacity for autonomy and responsibility

Where it can be carried out

  • Public bodies
  • Private companies
  • Affiliated organisations

Who can benefit from it

People detained for ordinary crimes

subject to a positive assessment of behaviour and the absence of social dangerousness

People detained for precluding offenses

only after having served at least one third of the sentence and in any case no more than 5 years from the start of execution

People sentenced to life imprisonment

after serving 10 years of the sentence

Do you want to know when you will be able to access the benefits provided by law?

Try the calculator now

Further information

Role of the administration and the Magistrate

The order of admission and revocation is adopted by the prison administration.

The Supervisory Magistrate exercises jurisdictional oversight and an approval function.

However, the Court of Cassation has recognised the Magistrate's power to activate or revoke the benefit in cases of inaction by the administration

— Cass. Pen., ruling 27374/2021

Appeal against refusal

refusal The most recent rulings of the Court of Cassation have clarified that the measure by which the benefit is denied can be challenged by complaint, as it is a decision capable of affecting a fundamental right of the detained person.

— Art. 35-bis O.P.

Discover your other rights

Early release

Reduce your sentence and accelerate all benefits: a mechanism worth knowing.