2011 Volume 36 Pages 62-75
This article addresses the effect of population decrease and the shift of population structure toward aging on the community-based rehabilitaion system in Japan. Population decrease led to a decrease in the number of people put on probation and parole. An aging society results in probation and parole changes shifting from juveniles to adults. Reorganization of the treatment focused on adult probationers and parolees remains to be considered. The present treatment system applied by probation officers, volunteer probation officers, and probationers/parolees should also be reconsidered. For example, the so-called team treatment system is one possible alternative. Recruitment of volunteer probation officers is also affected by the population decrease and shift towards aging. A system based on offering custom-made treatment is the key to sustainable community-based rehabilitaion.
