Social harmonization therapy

Social harmonization therapy (SHT; by humanists, often spelt "harmonisation") is the standard programme for rehabilitation back to society of offenders of felony in Hurmu. The programmes are directed and maintained by the local realm of Hurmu.

Unlike most jurisdictions, SHT has no time limit. Rather, patients (as offenders undergoing SHT are called) are part of the programme until they are, by their local court, deemed rehabilitated. Some patients are likely never to leave the SHT programme, while others, for whom SHT is workable, are free of SHT interference in their lives within a year of sentencing.

SHT is not appropriate for offenders whom the court deems un-rehabilitatable. Such offenders may be incarcerated for the protection of themselves or for society at large until they are deemed rehabilitatable, in which case they may be transferred to SHT.

Un-rehabilitatable offenders are offered psychotherapy and euthanasia as options in their care. Participation in psychotherapy or euthanasia are always voluntary for rehabilitatable offenders.

Contents

SHT programmes are conducted either at SHT hospitals or in conditionally open SHT programmes.

SHT usually begins at SHT hospitals, which patients are not allowed to leave without authorization from the local court. In SHT hospitals, patients undergo psychological and criminological assessments, and a patient-centred SHT programme is catered for the patients. Such programmes often include psychotherapy, occupational therapy, education, as well as courses understanding how crime is detrimental to the social fabric. Patients are also encouraged to make amends also to the victims (where appropriate) of their felonies.

Many patients, who have shown that SHT hospital programmes are effective for them, are then transferred to conditionally open SHT programmes (COSHTP). COSHTP are based in the home of the patient, and there may be monitoring on behaviour during the patient's participation. The local court decides on the conditions for the individual patient receiving COSHTP.

Release

Release from liability under SHT shall be given by the local court when:

1. the patient shows that they are no longer at an aggravated risk for future criminality, whether misdemeanours or felonies,
2. the patient shows that they have appropriate means of sustaining themselves without SHT participation (e.g., pension, salary, etc.)
3. the patient has made appropriate amends to the victims (if applicable) of their felony.
4. the patient shows that they have a stable-enough personality for participation in society.