People in prison have above-average levels of debt. Many debts often already existed before the crime and are often the trigger for criminal behavior. In addition, new monetary claims in the form of claims for damages and compensation for pain and suffering as well as court costs often arise as a result of crimes committed.

Debt counseling in prison takes into account the interests of debtors on the one hand and creditors on the other, especially victims of crime. By settling these claims in particular, debtors come to terms with their crimes.