North Rhine-Westphalia expands prison rehabilitation and capacity

North Rhine-Westphalia is implementing new initiatives within its correctional system to address addiction and expand capacity. In Hagen, the JVA Hagen has opened 'thera. nova', the first addiction therapy department of its kind in the state's prison system. The program offers up to 15 inmates a two-year treatment plan involving psychotherapy, sports, and social counseling to reduce recidivism.

Simultaneously, construction is progressing on a new facility at JVA Willich I. The shell of the second prison building is now complete, with interior work underway. Once finished, expected in early 2028, this expansion will provide 368 prison places, including 48 dedicated to social therapy.