7. standing belief that humane treatment and rehabilitation are the most effective paths to reducing reoffending and strengthening public safety. To date, it remains one of this non-profit organisation’s biggest accomplishments, a feat it is hoping to match as it looks ahead to the ways it will hone its prison reintegration services in 2026. As for what 2026 will look like for Vernd, the belief is very much that electronic monitoring will continue to gain traction across Iceland, setting a new standard for rehabilitation and re-entry support in the process. This means that the organisation will increase its electronic monitoring in response, the idea being that this will also strengthen the reintegration pathway for these individuals, ultimately improving support after prison release. Blending empathy with structure and clear boundaries across everything from its halfway house in Iceland to the support it provides directly to incarcerated individuals, Vernd fangahjálp plans to continue to bridge the gap between custody and community for prisoners/exprisoners and their families, making sure that people stand the best possible chance of finding meaning and hope upon their exit from the Icelandic justice system. In this way, Vernd is helping to make expanded community sentencing a reality. “Reintegration works best when society offers a realistic pathway back – structure, support, and a place to rebuild daily life. That’s the gap Vernd exists to fill.” Difficulties lie ahead as the industry pivots to electronic monitoring and continues to traverse other shifts relating to solving overcrowding, but the silver lining is that Vernd remains front and centre in this space, advocating for the necessary improvements that will hopefully foster a healthier, more productive justice system and society in the long term. Thus, it is a fitting recipient of the Best Criminal Rehabilitation & Support Initiative 2025 award. More on the important work that Vernd fangahjálp is doing to reform the prison system in Iceland can be found by visiting its website. “Þráinn Farestveit pictured outside the premises of Vernd, the Icelandic Prisoners’ Aid Association.”
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