An Organizational Analysis of Foreign National Prisoners’ Participation Possibilities in Flanders (Belgium)

This mixed-method study rst provides insight into the Belgian prison population — particularly foreign national prisoners — based on an analysis of the penal database SIDIS Suite (N = 10,356). Second, qualitative telephone interviews have been conducted with the activity coordinators of all Flemish and Brus- sels prisons (N = 17) to investigate which prison activities (e.g., cultural, educational, and health-related ac- tivities, sports, vocational training, and forensic welfare services) are available to, and accessible by, foreign national prisoners. This article demonstrates several initiatives that have been taken to enhance foreign na- tionals’ participation in prison activities and highlights the struggles that activity coordinators face in offering activities that are suitable for this population.