The current state of probation service in Ukraine and perspectives for its development

Abstract

The article analyzes the main directions of the probation service in Ukraine. Based on the recommendations of international standards, the importance of introducing probation as a type of criminal punishment alternative to deprivation of liberty is justified. Taking into account international experience, the need for the probation service to be fully implemented in the postpenitentiary function is proved. The probation service should have access to prisoners in prison in order to help them prepare for their release and to plan their future control in order to carry out constant monitoring and continuing educational work maintained during imprisonment. Control after release from imprisonment should be aimed at solving the problems of convicts, such as employment, place of residence, education, and ensuring their release conditions, in order to reduce the risk of commission of a new crime and the task of significant damage. Thus, recognizing the urgency and importance of adopting the Law on Probation, on the basis of the study of the content of international standards in the field of probation and world’s experience in the implementation of criminal penalties, we should note that the list of probation types should be supplemented by probation as a type of criminal supervision and post-penitentiary probation. У статті проаналізовано основні напрямки діяльності служби пробації в Україні. На підставі рекомендацій міжнародних стандартів обґрунтовано важливість запровадження пробації як виду кримінального покарання, альтернативного позбавленню волі. З урахуванням міжнародного досвіду доведено необхідність виконання службою пробації в повному обсязі постпенітенціарної функції.