Community Corrections in Israel

Israel's criminal justice system differs from that of many other western countries. The two community corrections: probation and parole are separated from one another and work independently. Yet, both are driven by a strong ideology of rehabilitation and reintegration, as described and explained throughout this chapter. The chapter begins with a short historical and correctional context followed by two distinct sections: one for probation and the other for parole. We first review the Israeli version of probation—Sherut Mivhan—and continue to discuss the Israeli version of parole—Prisoners Rehabilitation Authority (PRA). The Israeli probation service provides a host of services aligned with the social welfare ideology of the country; the services are provided under the responsibility of the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, are anchored in the penal code of the country, and are considered as an integral part of the country's criminal justice system. The agency is responsible for the intake, supervision, treatment, and rehabilitation of those suspected of illegal activity, individuals found guilty of a criminal offense, and victims. The Israeli version of parole is tasked with the re-entry and reintegration of criminal incarcerated individuals (i.e., different from national security prisoners not discussed in this chapter) after their release from incarceration. Accordingly, this chapter on the Israeli parole section discusses the release from prison/Re-entry and the reintegration initiatives through PRA programs, PRA organizational structure, and PRA activities in the community, including PRA and COVID-19. We conclude with a summary that emerges from our discussion according to which the Israeli ideology and approach to community corrections is that of rehabilitation and reintegration of those who broke the law; and that the Israeli society, regardless of the crimes committed, considers individuals found guilty of a criminal offense as part of the community, and society is vested in their full integration and participation, although such ideology may not always be reflected in reality.