International Visits to Prisons: Exchange of Knowledge and Praise for Professional and Humane Approach

According to the American colleagues from New York, the visit to the Ig Prison Facility was an excellent professional opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and experience. The delegation, composed of representatives from the academic John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the healthcare sector, expressed great appreciation for the professionalism, openness, and compassion of the staff – particularly in how they relate to persons in custody. They highlighted the modern equipment of the medical unit and the overall cleanliness and order of the facility, despite the building's age. Notably, they observed no signs of tension or repression, which they mentioned is often a part of daily life in American prisons. The delegation also paid special attention to the open unit – an approach that does not exist in the U.S. system. The visit enabled an open professional dialogue on comparisons between prison systems and emphasized the importance of a relationship of trust between staff and inmates – something the Slovenian system actively cultivates.

The French delegation was composed of professionals in the field of juvenile justice, currently in training at the French National School for the Judicial Protection of Youth. As part of their study visit to Slovenia, they visited the Celje Juvenile and Adult Prison and the Radeče Correctional Home, where they were introduced to professional approaches in education, upbringing, accommodation, and leisure activities for minors.

Such international visits reaffirm that openness, professionalism, and a humane approach are not only core values of the Slovenian system of execution of penal sanctions but also qualities that international experts recognise as exemplary and inspiring. The professional exchange of experience and good practices represents an important step toward further development of an inclusive, humane, and effective penal system. It also broadens professional perspectives and strengthens trust in our work – both domestically and internationally.