Sharllyda C. Santos

This book deals with Social Work in Penal Execution, using the Freedom and Dignity Programme - PLD - as an empirical reference. In methodological terms, the work was carried out through bibliographical analysis and field research. The work revisits the relationship between Social Work and the socio-legal field, emphasising professional competences and attributions in this field. It also presents the history of sentences and punishments, making considerations about the Brazilian Prison System and the capital of Maranhão, São Luís. Finally, the Freedom and Dignity Programme (PLD), set up in 2007 by the 1st Penal Execution Court (VEP), is analysed, looking at its operationalisation, instrumentalisation and the means used by social workers for the social transformation and emancipation of prisoners and their families, indicating the limits encountered and the possibilities generated. The research concludes that the work of social workers in Penal Enforcement is extremely important for the resocialisation of prisoners.