A Bridge from Prison to Society

 

 USAID Supports Individualized and Comprehensive Case Management for Prisoners Before and After Release

 

 

 

“When I was in prison, I had always been thinking about what would happen when I was released…Today, I moved back home with my family. This is the best thing that could ever have happened.”

 

 

Prisoners in Tajikistan are often released from prison with no place to live, no place to work, and serious health troubles. The USAID-funded Health Outreach Program works with prisoners who will soon be released through the “START Plus” model. Serving as a “bridge” from prison back to society, the program provides prisoners with individualized and comprehensive case management a few months before and after release.

 

Jamshed was imprisoned in Dushanbe when, in November 2010, he became a client under the START Plus program being implemented by the NGO VITA through the Health Outreach Program. During the individualized case management sessions, the social workers made sure that Jamshed got tested for HIV and TB and, when they discovered that he had a serious musculoskeletal leg disease, they helped him receive proper medical support for the disease. The social workers also assisted Jamshed with his social needs upon release. Considering his health issues and lack of money, the social workers from VITA and partner organizations in Sughd Province made it possible for Jamshed and his wife to move back to his hometown in Sughd Province.

 

Jamshed offered words of thanks for the comprehensive support he received from the Health Outreach Program: “I am very thankful for all the help that was given to me and my family by the social workers of VITA. When I was in prison, I had always been thinking about what would happen when I was released. I have very serious problems with my health and I would not have a job. My best dream was to move to my native house, improve my health, and find a job. And my dream has come true thanks to the NGO VITA. I am so glad that there is such a program that helps people like me. Today, I moved back home with my family. This is the best thing that ever could have happened. I hope that my disease will be cured soon and that I will return to a normal life.”