The need to establish an effective linkage is emphasized in the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Offenders, especially in rules 61, 64, 74, 80, and 81. The rules make it clear that access to an efficient form of social rehabilitation is a legitimate aspiration of every prisoner. This entails the provision of social services as an addition to, and a logical continuation of, any criminal justice measure. Social services involve health care, education, housing, employment, social security, and public security. The principles are intended as guidelines to more effective implementation of the rules and declare that the right of offenders to receive social services should be formally recognized and emphasized. Furthermore, the social services available to all persons in the community should be available also to those discharged from prison, and the principles of 'lesser eligibility' should not apply at any stage of the criminal justice process. The organizational form of delivery should be culturally appropriate, and traditional agents of social control, such as the extended family and social and ethnic associations in urban areas, should be encouraged to reintegrate offenders. The work of all agencies should be harmonized in accordance with relevant cultural traditions, social services and criminal justice agencies should establish effective working relationships, and services should begin at the moment of arrest. In addition, adequate training should be provided to social services staff and to those involved with social services, and the role and appropriate use of volunteers should be examined, defined, and expanded. Three footnotes are included.