Penitentiary Social Work: A Theoretical Approach to the Practice of Social Workers in Spanish Penitentiary Centers

Abstract

The article "Prison Social Work: A Theoretical Approach to the Practice of Social Workers in Spanish Penitentiary Centers" aims to reflect, through the practical application of theory, on the professional practice of Penitentiary Social Work and the important role these professionals play in the re-education and social reintegration of those sentenced to imprisonment. The first part of the article focuses on contextualizing penitentiary social services as a specific social service, analyzing the inspiring principles that govern their interventions and the objectives they pursue.
Penitentiary Social Work, the framework within which this professional activity is carried out, the specific methodology of action—the Basic Method of Social Work Intervention—and the most frequently used techniques in Penitentiary Social Work are then developed in greater detail.
The article concludes with a presentation of conclusions and innovative contributions based on the theoretical reflection of the professional practice in this field.