Os desafios do serviço social no sistema carcerário: uma questão étnico-racial

Abstract

The aim of the work is to promote a critical reflection on the situation of the Brazilian prison system with an emphasis on the role of social workers within this socio occupational space, highlighting the ethnic-racial discussion. The prison system fails in rehabilitation, turning into a warehouse for people neglected by the State. The precarious conditions of omise the reintegration of individuals into social life. Social inequality is fueled as the system is fed with the mass imprisonment of the poorest layer, consequently predominantly composed of Black people. This reality reflects the structural racism rooted in Brazil, perpetuating the exclusion of historically marginalized groups. The Brazilian prison system reflects social and racial inequalities, evidenced by data from DEPEN, SENAPPEN, and INFORPEN. Penal selectivity is structural, even after the abolition of slavery in 1888, Blacks continue to be marginalized, reflecting in Brazilian prisons the continuation of slave quarters. In the specific context of prisons, the role of the social worker is to guarantee the rights of inmates, promote equity and social justice, and facilitate their reintegration into society. Guided by ethical principles and parameters of action, these professionals deal with the complexity surrounding the "social issue" and always seek to respect human rights. The research was developed through the analysis of formal data from the aforementioned sources and bibliographic reviews. It is worth noting that social workers play a crucial role in this context, seeking to guarantee the rights of inmates. This involves facilitating the reintegration of prisoners into society after the incarceration period, offering support and assistance in areas such as health, education, legal and social assistance. Even in a challenging environment like the prison system, social workers work to promote a culture of respect for human rights, civil, political, and social rights and to address the complex issues related to crime and social exclusion.