Criminon in Europe: Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Human Dignity Through Education
Criminon is an education-based rehabilitation programme supported by Scientology churches and volunteers. It is designed for use in custodial and reintegration contexts where permitted, helping participants strengthen personal responsibility, improve decision-making, and build practical skills that support a lawful, constructive return to society.
The programme is delivered only in accordance with applicable laws, prison regulations, safeguarding requirements and institutional policies. It is intended to complement—never replace—public responsibilities for care, security, and rights-respecting detention practice.
What participants work on
Criminon uses structured study materials and step-by-step exercises focused on the capabilities most associated with successful reintegration: stable routines, clear thinking under pressure, respect for others, and accountability for one’s actions.
- Personal responsibility and ethics — practical tools to recognise harmful patterns and make better choices.
- Communication and social skills — reducing conflict and strengthening constructive interaction.
- Study and learning skills — improving comprehension, follow-through and employable habits.
- Drug education components (where relevant) — addressing a common driver of reoffending through education and prevention.
- Reintegration readiness — supporting discipline and pro-social thinking for family, work and community life.
How the programme is delivered
Depending on the setting, Criminon may be introduced through trained volunteers, authorised access arrangements (such as chaplaincy-style frameworks where applicable), or cooperation with designated staff who supervise delivery in line with institutional procedures. The programme is modular, allowing progress at a realistic pace.
Internationally, Criminon reports broad use of its materials in correctional contexts in multiple countries and languages, including work in adult and juvenile settings where authorities allow participation. For an overview, see: Criminon Around the World.
Safeguarding, dignity and a rights-respecting approach
Criminon’s delivery is intended to be practical, non-political and consistent with Europe’s expectation that rehabilitation must respect human dignity and equal treatment. Participation should be voluntary, boundaries must be clear, and the programme must never be used in a coercive or degrading way.
- Voluntary participation, consistent with institutional rules and lawful detention procedures.
- Non-discrimination in access and delivery, consistent with equal-treatment standards.
- Respect for privacy and appropriate handling of personal information in line with institutional policy.
- Rehabilitation and reintegration emphasis, supporting safer communities and reduced reoffending.
This rights-respecting orientation reflects Europe’s wider commitments to human dignity, fundamental rights and lawful rehabilitation, as expressed in the European Union’s values (EU aims and values), the text of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Charter of Fundamental Rights), and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR text).
It is also in line with practical guidance from OSCE-related resources that emphasise preventing ill-treatment in detention and supporting effective rehabilitation and reintegration, including: ODIHR resources on monitoring places of detention and OSCE guidance on protecting human rights in prisons while preventing violent extremism.
Cooperation with institutions and civil society
Criminon can be explored with correctional institutions, probation and reintegration stakeholders, and community organisations—always within the applicable legal and administrative frameworks. If you represent an institution or organisation and would like to discuss programme materials, delivery options, and safeguarding arrangements, you can contact the European office.
Supported by the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, Criminon’s goal is straightforward: fewer victims, fewer repeat offences, and more people prepared to live responsibly and contribute positively to their communities.
