The Bavarian Ministry of Justice is launching a new program to avoid so-called substitute imprisonment. From September, the "Outreach Social Work" project in Munich is intended to prevent those sentenced to a fine who cannot or do not want to pay from being arrested, as the ministry announced on Wednesday. Court assistance staff should make personal contact with the convicted person and advise them on alternatives.

Commissioned by the Munich public prosecutor's office, court assistance can submit proposals for installment payments or establish contact with so-called detention avoidance programs. Since 2005, convicts have been able to serve their fines with the "Sweat instead of sit" program through community service. There has also been a program for the past three years in which placement agencies provide assistance in drawing up installment plans.

Minister of Justice Georg Eisenreich explained that the new program aims to "offer people targeted professional help". In addition, prisons would be relieved by the measures.