Major Achievements of Director Zhengyong Huang of Keelung Prison, Ministry of Justice's Correctional Department, in Year 2024

Period of Service at Keelung Prison (from July 16 to December 31, Year 2024)

I. Implementing Educational and Correctional Programs and Strengthening Family Support

(1) Designing an Independent Learning Management Card

For inmates willing to participate in courses, a lifelong learning-style record card was designed for their use. This card records the treatment classes they attend, the number of hours spent, and provides certification. The goal is to help inmates establish a sense of responsibility for self-management. Through various courses, their attitudes and mindsets are changed, strengthening their connection with society and facilitating their reintegration into the community upon release.

(2) Providing Comprehensive Services for Drug Offenders and Seamless Transition to Community-Based Treatment

1. Collaboration with the Keelung City Drug Abuse Prevention Center: The center worked with a team from the Shih Hui Psychological Therapy Clinic to guide family support groups within the prison. Social workers from the drug prevention center acted as observers, and case managers from the community would engage with inmates ahead of their release to establish relationships. This initiative aims to increase the success rate of post-release follow-up. In Year 2024, one session was held, with 11 participants.

2. Collaboration with the Libertas Foundation: The foundation conducted family support groups for inmates. After release, the foundation continued to provide follow-up counseling. In Year 2024, two sessions were held, with 26 participants.

(3) Collaboration with Keelung City Government's Social Affairs Bureau on Family Support Services for Drug Addicts

The Keelung City Government's Social Affairs Bureau commissioned the Libertas Foundation to implement a family support service program for the families of drug addicts. This service provides counseling to the families of drug addicts. In the Year 2024, 17 families (including families of inmates who had been released) continued to receive follow-up counseling. The Libertas Foundation conducted 152 phone consultations (including contact via communication apps) and 22 face-to-face visits.

(4) Launching a Welding Class to Help Inmates Rebuild Their Lives

Keelung Prison proactively contacted the Keelung Vocational Training Center of the Ministry of Labor's Northern Regional Office for collaboration. On August 2, Year 2024, the first welding class was held, with 10 inmates enrolled. Prior to their release, inmates were introduced to vocational training systems to help them acquire new skills, improving their job prospects and ensuring stable living conditions after rehabilitation.

(5) Transition and Placement of Released Inmates

1. Connecting Released Inmates with Key Partner Agencies

To assist inmates in successfully reintegrating into society upon release, Keelung Prison collaborates with multiple organizations, including labor, health, and social welfare agencies, to strengthen community connection and provide the necessary resources and support. This four-party collaboration aims to help inmates transition smoothly into society through integrated correctional programs. The following partner organizations were involved:

• Keelung Parole Board: All inmates released on parole were referred to the Keelung Parole Board. From January to November of the Year 2024, 450 inmates were referred.

• Keelung City Drug Abuse Prevention Center: Inmates who completed their drug rehabilitation programs and were released were referred to this center. From January to November of the Year 2024, 91 drug-related inmates were referred.

• Keelung Employment Center: Inmates interested in receiving employment counseling were referred to the Keelung Employment Center. From January to November of the Year 2024, 37 inmates were referred, with 5 successful placements.

2. Drug Rehabilitation Inmate Reintegration Coordination Meetings

   Two reintegration coordination meetings for drug offenders were held in the Year 2024. A total of 44 drug offenders participated in the transition process.

3. Mental Health Inmate Reintegration Coordination Meetings

   Two regular coordination meetings for inmates with mental health conditions were held in the Year 2024, along with one special case meeting for inmates with complex needs. Two inmates with mental health issues successfully transitioned after these meetings.

4. Escort Services for Elderly or Disabled Inmates Upon Release

   For elderly or disabled inmates, Keelung Prison coordinates with their families to ensure a smooth transition upon release. On the day of their release, family members either pick them up directly or the prison provides escort services for medical visits or to return home. In the Year 2024, the prison contacted one family member and provided escort services for two individuals. Additionally, two family members of disabled inmates were contacted, and the following arrangements were made for their release:

   

     5.Providing Housing for Homeless Inmates Upon Release

(6) Providing Home Visits and Assistance to Families in Difficult Situations

Keelung Prison, in collaboration with local community organizations, provides (consolation funds) during home visits to families in poverty-stricken neighborhoods. These families are facing difficult circumstances, and the prison aims to offer financial assistance and emotional support during visits.

(7) Organizing Senior Inmate Health and Nutrition Lectures

Starting from the second half of the Year 2024, Keelung Prison has collaborated with the Keelung City Community Nutrition Center to invite nutritionists and other health professionals to conduct a series of health and nutrition seminars for elderly inmates. These lectures aim to help senior inmates develop a better understanding of proper aging habits during their incarceration and enhance their basic knowledge of healthy eating.

Additionally, regular seminars are held with relevant departments to discuss the guidelines issued by the Correctional Department regarding the treatment of elderly inmates. These meetings focus on identifying improvement measures and exploring ways to enhance the care and treatment of senior prisoners, ensuring they receive appropriate attention and support for their health and well-being.

II. Enhancing Operational Effectiveness

(1) Actively Managing Commissioned Processing Operations

Keelung Prison has established commissioned processing workshops to help inmates acquire vocational skills, fostering work habits and self-sufficiency, while preparing them for reintegration into society. In Year 2024, the prison continued its cooperation with two paper product manufacturers, and by the end of October 113th Year, the income from commissioned processing operations totaled NT$2,097,596, exceeding the annual budget by 8.52%.

(2) Unique Self-Operated Products Leading to Significant Revenue Growth

Given the prison's proximity to the coast, Keelung Prison developed distinctive local products such as handmade tempura and fish balls, which incorporate the area's culinary heritage. With the help of professional instructors, these products gained popularity, and were purchased in large quantities by other prisons. The quality and flavor of the products received high praise, and customer repurchase rates increased. By the end of October , the income from self-operated products reached NT$2,565,801, exceeding the annual budget by 84.06%. The prison continues to promote its self-operated products, helping inmates develop skills in production and sales, thus fostering their self-reliance and aiding their reintegration into society after release.

(3) Skill Training to Meet Employment Market Demands and Apply Learning Effectively

1. Despite limited resources and space (with only one training room available), Keelung Prison has been actively offering short-term courses in marketing and bakery (two sessions), traditional snacks (two sessions), and pre-employment training (three sessions) to prepare inmates for post-release employment. In total, five sessions benefiting 100 participants were held in Year 2024.

2. Considering the lack of sufficient training facilities, the prison assessed local industry talent needs and expected benefits. In cooperation with the Ministry of Labor's Northern Region Office, the prison organized a general hand-welding course (one session) to address labor market shortages and provide inmates with practical skills to support their post-release livelihood and reduce recidivism. By the end of October , approximately 34% of inmates had participated in skills training, showing significant improvement in participation rates.

III. Improving Health Care and Medical Facilities, Enhancing Inmate Health Care

(1) Continuous Engagement with High-Quality Medical Teams

Keelung Prison has been working to bring in quality medical teams to provide specialized services. In addition to basic correctional services (internal medicine, surgery, family medicine, psychiatry, and dentistry), the prison has increased the frequency of specialized outpatient consultations in cardiology, dermatology, and infectious diseases, offering one session per month for each specialty. This initiative aims to improve the quality of medical care and strengthen inmate health services.

(2) Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment for Inmates in Compliance with Policy

In Year 2024, the prison fully cooperated with health authorities to implement hepatitis C screening and treatment for inmates, as well as tuberculosis (LTBI) screening and treatment.

(3) Proactive Preventive Health Measures

To prioritize prevention over treatment, Keelung Prison actively promoted flu vaccinations, COVID-19 vaccinations, and free pneumonia vaccinations for inmates aged 65 and above, in line with health policies.

(4) Collaboration with Social Resources for Assistive Devices

The prison also worked with social resources to promote a "Assistive Device Bank," providing additional care for inmates who require assistive devices for daily living.

IV. Strengthening Security and Custodial Management, Improving Efficiency

(1) Implementing Digitalized Custodial Management Policies

Keelung Prison actively compiles daily updates on inmate numbers and offense distribution, using digital tools to track changes in inmate population and custodial dynamics. This approach supports the effective management of custodial operations through technology.

(2) Strengthening Inmate Skill Training and Increasing Car Detailing Class Frequency

To help inmates acquire vocational skills for post-release employment, Keelung Prison has been utilizing social and national vocational training resources. It offers a regular car detailing class every Friday, helping inmates gain practical skills that align with industry standards.

(3) Enhancing Convenience for Families by Improving Remote Communication Facilities

In order to protect the privacy of inmate-family communications, the prison has upgraded the space for remote communication. The area was redesigned with wooden partitions, offering a secure, private, and convenient space for families to communicate with their incarcerated relatives, while maintaining effective security measures.

V. Improving Work Environment and Equipment for Staff, Creating a Positive Living Space for Inmates

(1) Renovation of Administrative Building’s Second-Floor Visitor Room

The ceiling of the second-floor visitor room in the administrative building was severely damaged and deteriorated due to moisture, causing some structural elements to sag. This was fully renovated and replaced to ensure safety and comfort.

Additionally, the small outdoor garden had been subjected to harsh weather for years, so weatherproof windows were installed to prevent rain and cold winds from entering the office, creating a more comfortable and safe working environment for staff. These improvements ensure that staff can enjoy a comfortable space for rest, free from the risks of slipping due to wet floors or exposure to cold winds.

(2) Installing Stainless Steel Handrails on Stairs in the Administrative Building for the Safety and Convenience of Individuals with Limited Mobility

(3) Repairing Roof Eaves of Dormitories 4 and 5 to Prevent Water Accumulation and Leaks

(4) Repairing Roof Leaks in the Three-Security Door Area to Prevent Slippery Floors

(5) Repairing the Eaves of the Administrative Building to Prevent Water Leakage

(6) Enhancing the 1st Floor Remote Visitation Room with Multi-Functional Facilities

(7) Upgrading the 2nd Floor Break Room with Improved Dining and Equipment

(9) Repairing the Roof of the Activity Center Damaged by Two Typhoons

(10) Repairing the Kitchen Corridor Floor to Ensure Inmate Safety

(11) Overhauling the General Affairs Department's Warehouse to Address Severe Water Leakage and Pipe Visibility

(12) Organizing the Scrap Items Warehouse to Improve Storage Conditions

(13) Organizing Two Buildings Donated by the National Property Administration for Reuse

(14) Repairing Fire Safety Facilities, Activity Center Rain Shelters, and Old Roofs with New Metal Roofing

(15) Replacing the Old Telephone Switchboard for Improved Communication

(16) Installing Dividers Between the Reception Center and the Vocational Training Classroom