Detention House Olen

Detention House Olen is located in the municipality of Olen, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The facility falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government Department of Justice and operates within the Belgian detention house model. Housed in the former residential care centre De Sterrewijzer, the building was renovated and officially opened in July 2025, with the gradual intake of residents beginning in September 2025. Detention House Olen is the third detention house to open in Belgium, following the detention houses in Kortrijk and Vorst. The facility is still in an early phase of operation and continues to develop its daily practices, programs, and partnerships.

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SMALL-SCALE

Detention House Olen has a total capacity of 58 places. Although this number exceeds the recommended maximum of 30 residents for a small-scale detention facility, the detention house aims to preserve a small-scale character by dividing residents into several living groups. Each living group consists of approximately fifteen residents.

SMALL-scale

Detention House Olen has a total capacity of 58 places. Although this number exceeds the recommended maximum of 30 residents for a small-scale detention facility, the detention house aims to preserve a small-scale character by dividing residents into several living groups. Each living group consists of approximately fifteen residents.

Detention House Olen is a:

Open detention facility

for:

58 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated

Detention House Olen is a:

Open detention facility

for:

58 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated

Detention House Olen is a:

Open detention facility

for:

58 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated

DIFFERENTIATION

Detention House Olen accommodates adult men (18+) who are serving prison sentences of up to three years and who are assessed as posing a low security risk. The facility is intended for individuals who are considered suitable for a small-scale, community-oriented form of detention that places a strong emphasis on guidance, structure, and preparation for reintegration into society.

Detention House Olen operates under a community regime. Residents are expected to participate in communal living and to take up responsibilities within their living groups. While residents are not responsible for managing their own schedules, they are able to provide input regarding the activities they wish to participate in, which are mandatory once agreed upon. Staff members oversee the planning and ensure structure, continuity, and supervision throughout the week.

COMMUNITY-INTEGRATION

Interaction between Detention House Olen and the local community is still in an early stage, as the facility has only recently opened. As a result, the process of building relationships with the neighbourhood is gradual and still developing. At present, the most established partnership is with the neighbouring residential care centre (WZC). This collaboration is described as very positive: nurses from the WZC visit the detention house daily to provide medical care, and the detention house recently supported the WZC by offering logistical assistance during a “light walk” event. In addition to this, staff, supported by the director, are actively working toward strengthening ties with the local community, and further integration is expected to develop over time.

Differentiation

Detention House Olen accommodates adult men (18+) who are serving prison sentences of up to three years and who are assessed as posing a low security risk. The facility is intended for individuals who are considered suitable for a small-scale, community-oriented form of detention that places a strong emphasis on guidance, structure, and preparation for reintegration into society.

Detention House Olen operates under a community regime. Residents are expected to participate in communal living and to take up responsibilities within their living groups. While residents are not responsible for managing their own schedules, they are able to provide input regarding the activities they wish to participate in, which are mandatory once agreed upon. Staff members oversee the planning and ensure structure, continuity, and supervision throughout the week.

Community-integration

Interaction between Detention House Olen and the local community is still in an early stage, as the facility has only recently opened. As a result, the process of building relationships with the neighbourhood is gradual and still developing. At present, the most established partnership is with the neighbouring residential care centre (WZC). This collaboration is described as very positive: nurses from the WZC visit the detention house daily to provide medical care, and the detention house recently supported the WZC by offering logistical assistance during a “light walk” event. In addition to this, staff, supported by the director, are actively working toward strengthening ties with the local community, and further integration is expected to develop over time.

the Federal Government Department of Justice

Detention House Olen

Report Detention House Olen

English report

Visited by vzw De Huizen (05/12/2025)

RESCALED

the Federal Government Department of Justice

Detention House Olen

Report Detention House Olen

Report

Visit

Visited by vzw De Huizen (05/12/2025)

WISH-EU

the Federal Government Department of Justice

Detention House Olen

Report Detention House Olen

Report

Visited by vzw De Huizen (05/12/2025)

RESCALED