The Project aims to ensure efficient and successful inmates’ resocialization by developing the Lithuanian penitentiary staff professional training, education and competence building system as well as by creating better custodial, inmates’ resocialization, employment and vocational training conditions.

Project Promoter – Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter – Prison Department).

Tasks of the Projects:

• To improve inmates’ resocialization and interagency cooperation:

Development and implementation of criminal risk assessment system;

Development and implementation of interventions for criminal risk reduction and positive employment measures;

Development and implementation of an inmate's release model from a correctional facility, half-way house, probation together with NGO;

E-services to inmates;

Development of dynamic security model.

• To reorganize the Lithuanian penitentiary staff professional training, education and competence building system:

Development of a professional training institution model;

Drafting of curriculum, course modules, descriptions and methodologies;

Organization and realization of the training process;

Establishment of practical training units in the correctional facilities;

Shaping the image of the penitentiary system.

• To build the infrastructure of a cell-type residential housing with an inmates’ employment centre in Vilnius Correction House and an inmates’ employment centre with the premises for inmates’ resocialization in the 3^rd sector of Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony in line with the needs of the Lithuanian penitentiary staff professional training, education and competence building and in compliance with the European standards; and develop electronic monitoring:

Engineering services;

Development of infrastructure (construction of the Professional Training Institution and a residential housing of 200 beds with inmates’ employment centre in Vilnius Correction House, and an inmates’ employment centre with the premises for inmates’ resocialization in the 3^rd sector of Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony);

Procurement of furniture, inventory, office equipment;

Development of electronic monitoring.

Project implementation period: 20 August 2020 – 30 April 2024

Project budget: 19 020 728 eur

The Project is funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 and co-financing.

Target groups of the Project:

The staff of the Prison Department and its subordinate establishments and sentenced inmates shall be direct beneficiaries of the Project.

Indirect beneficiaries of the Project shall be the people of Lithuania and inmates’ relatives.

 

 

 

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Halfway house opened its door to inmates in Tauragė

On Monday, a new place was introduced to the map of inmate resocialization – a halfway house was opened in Tauragė. A transitional facility is the seventh of its kind in the country, where inmates get prepared for release from prison and re-entry into the labour market and community.

The facility may accommodate up to 27 persons at a time. Four staff members from Lithuanian Prison Service and three from Lithuanian Probation Service are employed at the halfway house: they will assist inmates in planning their weekly routines and tasks, employment activities, visits, leaves outside the halfway house, provide counselling, different social assistance and carry out supervision. Psychologists, representatives of NGOs and volunteers will also come and provide counselling to inmates.

“This halfway house, despite being the seventh of its kind in the country, is an outstanding one as there were no penitentiary facilities in the Tauragė district so far. As part of our efforts to build a modern system where reoffending is reduced, we need to encourage inmates to communicate with their families, who can reach them much more easily here. Both the foreign practice and the Lithuanian experience revealed that the positive halfway house environment ensure the reduction in reoffending over time,” highlighted Ewelina Dobrowolska, the Minister of Justice.

“Halfway houses are one of the most successful best practice projects adopted from the Kingdom of Norway. Careful selection of inmates to be relocated to halfway houses and ensuring their continued employment and necessary social support allow proper preparation for re-entry into the community. Seven years of experience in Lithuania prove that inmates who have been relocated to and released from halfway houses successfully reintegrate and practically do not reoffend. Our society feels safer,” said Virginijus Kulikauskas, Director General of Lithuanian Prison Service.

“It is encouraging to note, that the project of the Ministry of Justice and Lithuanian Prison Service reaches beyond the limits of the capital city and is further developed in the Lithuanian districts thus creating new jobs, as such houses need to be staffed by guards and social workers. That's how the regional policy should be promoted,” said Dovydas Kaminskas, the Mayor of Tauragė district municipality.

In an open-type institution - halfway house, inmates may use money without restrictions and buy food, clothing, footwear and hygiene products on their own. Persons benefit from being able to reintegrate into society closer to their homes, families and jobs. At weekends, they may leave for home or visit their families.

Inmates may be relocated to a halfway house, an open-type place of imprisonment, in line with the provisions of Art. 37 of the Code on the Enforcement of Sentences, and who need intensive pre-release preparation. Persons in conflict with the established procedure or having committed an administrative offence may be returned to a semi-open place of detention following the provisions of the same Art. 37 of the Code. A person can also be removed from a halfway house if he/ she is not working or studying, or if he/ she is posing a threat to society.

The total cost of a halfway house in Tauragė estimated to € 790.000, including equipment. The financing was allocated within the framework of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021.

Halfway houses have been set up in six locations so far - Alytus, Marijampolė, Vilnius, Pravieniškės, Panevėžys and Šiauliai.

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Mentoring experience gained from Norwegian colleagues

The Competence Development Board of Lithuanian Prison Service hosted a mentoring practical skills development programme for correctional officers, where correctional officers from the Kingdom of Norway shared their good practices.

The mentoring programme is aimed at officers of Lithuanian Prison Service, who will implement the practical part of the vocational training programme. On 26-29 June, 30 future mentors, lecturers and programme developers from Lithuania and Norway participated in the practical training.

Development and improvement of practical skills for correctional officers it is essential to train mentors (apprenticeship tutors), who would be prepared to go beyond providing information on the job functions carried out in prison, and share experiences, exchange competences, and regularly discuss and react to the practical activities.

The training was financed organized held within the framework of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021. 

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Representatives of trade unions and state institutions from the Kingdom of Norway visited the prison in Pravieniškės

Representatives of the trade unions and state institutions of the Kingdom of Norway Sjur Grinde, Elisabeth Hopteigen, Raymond Nilsen, Jan Arve Blom, Tom Svarva, Marius Andersen, Gunnar Nesse, Torunn Hasler, who are responsible for supervising the progress of the project in Lithuania, visited Pravieniškės prison No. 1 operated by Lithuanian Prison Service. The representatives of the trade unions, active in Pravieniškės prisons No. 1 and No. 2 and prison administration participated at the meeting.

Dainius Čekauskas, Zurab Sopromadze, Marius Jokubauskas and Odeta Šakėnaitė represented Kaunas County Police and Law Enforcement Staff trade union and Lithuanian trade union “Solidarumas”. The participants discussed guidelines and methods for trade union activities in Lithuania and shared good practices. Representatives of the Norwegian trade unions were eager to learn about collective agreements both within Lithuanian Prison Service and in Lithuania, as well as about the challenges and difficulties encountered in achieving constructive social dialogue. The concept of "mobbing", its existence and methods of combating it were widely discussed. The Norwegian colleagues presented the concept of "aberration", which is not yet well known in Lithuania, and the database for recording cases of aberration, which has been introduced in the Norwegian prison system.

Dainius Čekauskas, a representative of Kaunas County Police and Law Enforcement Staff trade union, gave an overview of the current situation in relation to the social dialogue and further expectations, and responded to the numerous questions of the guests. Representatives of the trade union “Solidarumas” spoke about their efforts to defend the rights of employees and prison officers, in particular the rights of women in prison system. The parties agreed to regularly share experiences and communicate with their Norwegian counterparts when issues arise, and to make friendly use of the Scandinavian extensive experience in trade union and social dialogue.

The foreign colleagues paid tribute to the representatives of Pravieniškės for the progress they have made in constructively resolving problems related to working conditions and the rights of employees and officers.

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Inmates in halfway houses get a small taste of freedom: how halfway houses changed their lives

More than a month ago, Lithuanian Prison Service opened a halfway house of Šiauliai Prison. This was the sixth halfway house in Lithuania with the capacity for 20 persons. In halfway houses, inmates get resettled from prison to prepare for release or conditional release. The selection is based on strict criteria. Halfway houses provide much greater chances for release, but inmates have obligations to follow discipline and rules, otherwise they would get back to prison. Here, inmates have access to employment, education and shopping, sports, and may visit their families. Practical evidence proved that such trust motivates offenders to work towards their re-entry to a normal and independent life. Halfway houses are a stepping stone to fully integrating into society.

A halfway house is an institute which aims to fully meet the needs of inmates and to provide targeted social, psychological, legal and other necessary assistance, the results of which would prove that an inmate is capable of pursuing his or her goals independently, in a way that is legitimate and in line with the standards of society. Put simply, halfway houses are a kind of re-entry programme, uniquely designed and tailored to address many of the challenges faced by people on release, such as employment, housing, antisocial networks, physical and mental health, etc.

In halfway houses, inmates have to get used to windows without bars

Gediminas wakes up early in the morning - at half past six, has his coffee, gets ready and drives to work by his own car. He works at the construction site doing what he knows best - interior completion. When he comes back, he takes a shower and has dinner. For dinner that night he had pre-cooked pasta with meat, which he reheated after work. He goes grocery shopping for the next days. Gediminas is already calculating and planning what food he will buy and what he will cook. He has a weekend plan to go home to his family and see his daughter, whom he misses very much despite often phone calls. "I come home at weekends like from a business trip," he laughs.

He enjoys every minute of every day which seems a usual day to many of us. Yes, he is an inmate serving a sentence, resettled to a halfway house from a closed regime. Inmates who have met strict requirements, passed a selection process and got resettled to a halfway house may go outside to work or study, they earn their living, and return home to their families on weekends. However, they have to respect the rules and return on time to the building which is called a place of detention, where, they say, they also feel like home.

“I used to work in prison, the prison environment itself was depressing, the windows with bars. The situation is different at a halfway house. Large spacious windows, light walls, everything smells of renovation. After being resettled to a halfway house, an inmate told me once: “I’m looking out of the window and I need to get used to the view with no bars”, said Birutė Butkuvienė, resocialization specialist at a halfway house of Šiauliai Prison.

Relationships with family members are critical during imprisonment

When in halfway houses, inmates may have mobile phones in their possession and have access to internet. Such things are forbidden to those in prison. Furthermore, the conditions in halfway houses are built on trust and reduced restrictions which facilitate inmates to foster their self-reliance. Participation in social life reduces anger and the feeling of vengeance, a person becomes more creative, gets involved in community activities. For example, inmates contribute to city events, volunteer, help out at foster homes for children and elderly, or animal shelters, and take part in other community activities. Usually, they re-enter community having different attitude and mindset, and with social contacts.

Inmates share that the relationship with their families is crucial to them. The families motivate them to return to the community as soon as possible, to live a law-abiding life.

"When I got sentenced, I was terrified that my child would become distant from me. She was two years old and I feared she’ll forget me. The lockdown restricted the family visits. Usually we communicated via phone, but only 15 minutes were allowed per day. Now I see how happy she is with my phone calls and coming home, she expects me. It's a great joy of life for me too”, says Gediminas.

Another inmate, Arūnas, told us that he has tried very hard not to commit a single offence over the years, to comply with all the rules, and as a result he got resettled to a halfway house, from which his family has become much easier to reach, his relationships have been renewed, and he may return home, feels happy, works, pays his lawsuit out of the earnings, and is able to maintain himself.

“I value my family. When I was in prison, my wife used to tell me that whenever I wanted to do something bad, I should think of them. My children, my wife was always on my mind. They are worth the effort. From the halfway house, I return home on Friday and leave on Sunday. I feel like a student, moreover, I also bring home-made food," said Arūnas happily.

The staff of halfway houses also notice that the freedoms granted to inmates in open regime make them more motivated to return to a normal life, to respect the rules and laws of society, and to value freedom.

“I recall the first night the inmates were resettled. It broke my heart to see how they video-called their families and showed them around. We underestimate lots of things. They taught me to notice and enjoy the little things”, said resocialization specialist Birutė.

Social worker: halfway house life as a training exercise before release

Eugenijus Arlauskas, social worker at a halfway house of Šiauliai prison says that resettled inmates experience radical changes.

“Not even comparable. They feel free persons here. They are also protected from risk factors - neither drugs nor alcohol is allowed. The persons here learn to appreciate freedom and understand how precious it is and that every wrong step may lead back to prison. Those who have spent over 20 years in prison say that people outside witness everyday changes, but for them life with all its changes came as avalanche”, revealed Eugenijus.

Halfway house staff help inmates get used to a life outside. When needed, they accompany inmates to the supermarkets, banks, even cafés or sports clubs, assist with paperwork at various institutions and even support when talking to employers.

“We are here to assist adapting to changes. Inmates don't even know how to pick up a shopping trolley at a supermarket, as some of them had no such things at the time they got sentenced”, explained the social worker.

Finding a job is the most challenging part for the halfway house inmates. They should get employed within a month otherwise they go back to prison. When it comes to employment, it turns out that persons with convictions are not in high demand.

“We had several cases when inmates got almost panicked when they were promised and refused jobs. Finally, they managed to get employed. When I called employers, they explained that no persons with convictions, especially drug convictions, were welcome. But if we refuse allowing a person to earn living in a legal way, a person will find an illegal one”, said Eugenijus.

Sure, there are other employers ready to give a second chance.

“They first days at work were the best: they used to send us pictures from their working places and we could see how happy and motivated they were”, said the specialist.

First steps into freedom: a wish to cuddle a cow and soak the feet in the lake

Gediminas, an inmate we talked to, said that finding a job was quite easy to him, but trips home were another dimension.

“Everything looked weird. I had to wait for two hours to get a bus home, but I enjoyed that waiting time: I was looking around, got lost in time, everything was so strange”, said Gediminas.

Other inmates also shared their first impressions on their trips home: one of them wished to cuddle a cow he saw grazing in the fields and soak his feet in the cold lake, others who have been in prison for two decades, got lost in space and could not perceive the fact that were free to go either way, not the way they were told to.

The inmates said they appreciated freedom more than ever and built the plans for the future.

“Life has meaning as long as somebody is waiting for you at home. I have the most precious things in life - the child, the family. I may come home every weekend now. My daughter burst into tears when I had to leave last time. I calmed her down that soon I will come back. At home I spend time with my family - we go to play bowling, to the ice arena, or the cinema. I have only a few friends left. Prison helped me to get rid of many fake things and only what is real remained”, said Gediminas.

Gediminas is now firmly determined to live a sober life. In prison, he had much time to think and analyse his behaviour and had to face the truth that most of his problems were due to alcohol intoxication. Life at a halfway house helps him to prioritize his life, to identify what he wants, to choose new paths, a new way of life.

“Here you get to appreciate the freedom and better self-control yourself. You test your strength to resist temptations. When at a grocery store, we see alcohol and it’s you who choose to resist or give up. Anyway, when you have a goal in life, you don’t want to slip, you want to live a normal life”, said Gediminas.

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Lithuanian Prison Service allocates funding to a non-governmental organisation providing assistance to sentenced foreign nationals

Within the context of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021, through a tender procedure, Lithuanian Prison Service selected non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for projects in resocialisation of inmates. The Prison Service will allocate funding to the selected NGOs for their activities in prison. The projects will enable NGOs to offer the necessary support ensuring welfare of sentenced foreign nationals, sentenced non-nationals of the Republic of Lithuania and persons who do not speak the official language.

Funding was allocated to the following NGO: the Lithuanian Red Cross Society (reg. No 1G-686; 34,2 points scored) with the project “I am a part of community”.

Funding was not allocated to the following NGOs: VšĮ Integracijos iniciatyvos (reg. No 1G-682; 18,6 points scored) with the project “I accept the challenge”, VšĮ Asmenybės ugdymo mokykla (reg. No 1G-695; 13,8 points scored) with the project “Plan for freedom”, VŠĮ Vedų kultūros centras (reg. No 1G-702, 21,8 points scored) with the project “Resilience: Supporting the successful re-socialisation and integration of inmates into community”.

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Halfway house opened in Šiauliai

 

With a particular focus on regions, the network of halfway houses continues to expand: a halfway house for inmates was opened in Šiauliai. The special unit of the Lithuanian Prison Service in Šiauliai Prison is the sixth in the country where inmates will be intensively prepared for their release.

The Halfway House in Šiauliai has opened its doors in a building taken over from Turto bankas, where a total of twenty male and female inmates may be accommodated at a time. The aim is to ensure that individuals could reintegrate into society by being closer to their place of residence, families and workplaces.

“Today we’ve opened the door of the sixth halfway house. This is the most successful model for serving sentences, with new and effective methods of resocialisation to facilitate individuals return to society. Both the foreign experience and the experience we have already gained in Lithuania show that halfway houses, as an intermediate stop between imprisonment and freedom, create a effective environment for resocialisation, which in the long run leads to a reduction in reoffending,” - at the opening ceremony, highlighted Ewelina Dobrowolska, Minister of Justice.

“Halfway houses are one of the most successful best practice projects adopted from the Kingdom of Norway to prepare former offenders for a life outside and to provide them with home-like environment. We are pleased that more and more such places are being established to improve the likelihood offormer offenders’ successful reintegration,” - said Virginijus Kulikauskas, the Director General of Lithuanian Prison Service.

3 social workers will work at Šiauliai Halfway House, who will assist inmates to plan their weekly routines and tasks, employment activities, appointments, leaves from the halfway house, provide counselling, and various social assistance. Psychologists from Šiauliai Prison, representatives of NGOs and volunteers will also come and provide counselling to the inmates. The supervision of inmates will be carried out by officers of the Security Management Unit of Šiauliai Prison.

The purpose of a halfway house is to provide intensive pre-release preparation for inmates.

Inmates in halfway houses may use money without restrictions, buy their own food, clothing, footwear and hygiene products. At weekends, they may go home or visit family.

Total cost of Šiauliai halfway house was over 337K EUR. The financing was allocated within the context of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021.

5 halfway houses are already operating in Alytus, Marijampolė, Vilnius, Pravieniškės and Panevėžys.

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Delegation from Norway visited TOG unit and met with the trade union representatives

Norwegian delegation visited Pravieniškės prisons No 1 and No 2 where they got deeper knowledge of the Lithuanian prison system and trade union activities. The majority of the visitors were leaders and members of Norwegian trade unions working in the correctional system or representing it.

First, the guests visited the TOG unit for prolific re-offenders which was opened in December last year under Norwegian program. This is the only unit of its kind in Lithuanian prisons and is considered an important step forward for the prison system facilitating reoffenders to reintegrate into society. Karolis Poderis, coordinator of the Dynamic Security and TOG Unit at Pravieniškės Prison No 1, gave a short overview of the Unit activities, daily challenges and achievements, and the daily routine and relationship between the inmates and staff. Norwegian correctional officers Maren Riis, Stig Solheim and Samantha Crichton, who took part in the TOG exchange programme, also shared their insights. TOG staff were also actively involved in the discussion on the performance improvement.

„We were pleased to witness the establishment and functioning of the TOG unit. We were impressed with what we saw today. We think, that you ‘ve managed to implement many things. Of course, you adapted the model to your environment, but the core idea of the TOG concept was maintained, “- said Torunn Hasler, Senior Adviser of International Unit at Norwegian Correctional Service, the head of the delegation.

Norwegian delegation also had a meeting with the representatives of the Lithuanian law enforcement trade union.The guests from Norway were interested in the working environment for officers, highlighted the importance of social dialogue, negotiations, collective agreements.

“We welcome the closer links with trade union representatives. We still face a number of challenges in Lithuania, which Norway already knows how to deal with. This is a great example to learn from. I don't just mean in terms of how well the correctional system is set up, but also in terms of how well social dialogue works within it, which can mitigate disagreements or differences of opinion between workers and employers”, – said Loreta Soščekienė, Chairwoman of the Lithuanian Federation of Law Enforcement Officials.

The visit was held within the context of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021. This was the second visit. The first one was realized in Norway, when representatives from the Prison Service and trade unions visited Kongsvinger and Lilestrom in Norway to learn more about Norwegian experience. Such exchange visits are expected in future years.

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The Prison Department launches an additional call for NGO project initiatives

The Prison Department, implementing the pre-defined project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021, invites NGOs to participate in the provision of services to sentenced foreign nationals, as well as to sentenced non-nationals of the Republic of Lithuania and persons who do not speak the official language. The activities proposed by the NGOs are expected to contribute to the well-being of this group of inmates in prisons and to their successful and effective integration into society.

Activities such as social skills training and training relevant to this group of inmates will be funded. Funding is also planned for the adaptation of prison spaces for persons from different backgrounds and cultures, and for individual counselling by professionals (e.g., lawyers, psychologists, addiction counsellors) for the targeted group of inmates. The NGO services shall be available in Vilnius Correction House and the 3^rd sector of Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony, as well as in halfway houses attached to the facilities.

500.000 Eur shall be allocated from the project budget to the tender, with the minimum amount per one project being 25.000 Eur.

NGOs that are able and willing to provide the above-mentioned services to sentenced foreign nationals, as well as to sentenced non-nationals of the Republic of Lithuania and persons who do not speak the official language, are invited to submit a completed application form and a detailed estimate of the project to the Prison Department by email norprojektai@kaldep.lt before 17 January 2023.

Following the call for tenders, the NGO projects for provision of services to inmates and implementing of the NGO algorithm (model) as defined in the Concept shall be selected and funded (http://www.kaldep.lt/download/88617/2021-12-30 v-413.pdf).

For full details on project requirements and other relevant issues, click here.

Should you have further questions about the application process, please contact norprojektai@kaldep.lt before 16.30PM on the last working day of the call.

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A new tool for resocialisation of inmates: the TOG unit

The TOG unit was opened in the Pravieniškės Correction House–Open Prison Colony, where the work with prolific reoffenders will be implemented in line with the Norwegian program. Such a unit is the only one in the Lithuanian prisons so far and is an important step forward for the penitentiary system.

TOG in Norwegian means “the train” which is symbolic as it focuses on the resocialisation of prolific reoffenders, bringing together the human resources of all the facilities of the penitentiary system. TOG aims to create a constructive model of cooperation between the prison and the probation service. Constructive cooperation is established between probation officers, who assist prison staff in preparing an inmate for the probation process, and prison staff, who are involved in the process of follow-up during the probation period. Proper planning of the resocialisation of inmates and close monitoring of behavioural changes may reduce the risk of reoffending. Furthermore, when it comes to conditional release for the group of inmates who are at the highest risk of reoffending close cooperation with external partners involved in the resocialisation process should be crucial.

“Reducing reoffending is one of the key objectives of the effective sentencing policy. I am sure that the experience shared by our colleagues from Norway will in the long run not only reduce the prison population, but will also strengthen inter-institutional cooperation by involving the NGO sector in the successful resocialisation of inmates” said Ms Ewelina Dobrowolska, the Minister of Justice, who attended the opening of the TOG.

Mr Virginijus Kulikauskas, Director General of the Prison Department, hopes that the TOG unit opened in the largest prison will not be the only one; in future, after the successful adoption of the model, an expansion of the TOG units is planned.

“Another innovative programme of the Norwegian penitentiary system has been launched in Lithuania, which is focused on the team work changing inmate behaviour and providing quality working conditions for staff”, said Mr Virginijus Kulikauskas.

The Norwegian delegation, as a forerunner of the project, also had a look at the TOG to be implemented in Lithuania. The delegation, led by Mr Kim Ekhaugen, Director of International Unit, Directorate of Norwegian Correctional Service, not only shared their working model, but also explained their own way of work.

“We welcome the fact that Lithuania is adopting Norwegian best practices, investing in its staff and infrastructure. The dynamic security model not only facilitates to support inmates, but also puts the emphasis on the well-being of staff. The staff is the core element in motivating inmates for change, so the focus on staff, the improvement of the infrastructure and the promotion of good communication between inmates and staff shall support inmates on their path to change,” said Mr Kim Ekhaugen.

The management of the Ministry of Justice and the Prison Department, as well as guests from Norway, were shown around the premises for TOG, and met with inmates (currently 8 inmates are participating in TOG) and staff who implement the program.

Prolific Reoffenders Program (TOG) has been available in Norway since 2001. A TOG unit in the Pravieniškės Correction House–Open Prison Colony is funded by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.

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Dynamic security training for managers

On 29 – 30 November 2022, the management training Practical Implementation of Leadership Principles on dynamic security took place in Vilnius.

The Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021 aims to improve the quality of services provided to bring them in line with the European and international human rights standards and to build the management competencies implementing dynamic security in practice.

Senior officials and staff from the Prison Department, Vilnius Correction House and Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony participated in the leadership training. The training was delivered by the Norwegian experts and prison managers: Torunn Hasler, Senior Adviser of International Unit, Norwegian Correctional Service, Ida Lindmo, Head of the Kongsvinger Unit, Innlandet Region in Norway, Ole Stageberg, Senior Adviser at the University College of Norwegian Correctional Service (KRUS), Sven-Erik Skotte, Legal expert at KRUS, Jan Korsvold, Head of prisons, Innlandet Region in Norway, Jurate Cepulis, lawyer at the Kongsvinger Unit, Innlandet Region in Norway, interpreter.

Torunn Hasler, Senior Adviser of Norwegian Correctional Service, reminded the participants of the 10 main project activities in the field of competence building and resocialisation of inmates:

1.      Improving and developing dynamic security. A concept has been developed, a definition has been established, and a handbook on dynamic security will be published shortly. Developing dynamic security requires organisational conditions, teamwork and commitment. There will be an exchange of internships organised between the Norwegian and Lithuanian officers working in direct contact with inmates on sharing knowledge on the appropriate use of dynamic security and the role of the contact officer.
2.       Strengthening the activities of the Training Centre. Adaptation of training programmes focused on the competences needed to use dynamic security. Program for student supervisors.
3.       Leadership training. Establishing leadership principles, developing management competences, educating managers to properly support the dynamic security approach.
4.       Acquisition and implementation of rehabilitation programmes for inmates. Anger Management Program, Program to Prevent Drunk Driving, Substance Abuse Program and TOG – Prolific Reoffenders Program.
5.       Involvement of NGOs.
6.       Developing employment measures in the two centres.
7.       Conflict reduction program. The program will be adapted from KRUS. The program focuses on conflict management tools and skills, making maximum use of communication techniques and only in the last resort using physical control.
8.       Electronic monitoring – the tool for the probation service.
9.       Establishment of halfway houses.
10.   Digital training video films for trainings (TOG – instructors/ lecturers trained). Ongoing dynamic security trainings.

All of these activities, as Torunn Hasler emphasised, are closely interlinked, reflecting the strengthening of the principle of normality in the penitentiary system, the use of the dynamic security approach, which aims to improve working relationships, enhance security and motivate inmates to change.

Jan Korsvold underlined the responsibility and the task of a manager to ensure that changes take place, that dynamic security is in place, and that staff feel supported and assisted. He reminded that a leader needs to be engaged with staff, talk to them, listen to them, follow the values and set an example.

Participants had active discussions in groups on what kind of support staff need from their manager and how to put it into practice. Respect, openness, trust and a good relationship were the prevailing aspects in all the proposals.

The insights and needs of the officers who participated in the dynamic security training (TOT) were presented. The participants discussed how they could put them into practice. It was valuable to see representatives from all the different units discussing how they can contribute to reducing insecurity among staff, unanimously agreeing that the emotional and psychological state of staff is important and cannot be ignored, and that it is necessary to talk to staff as much as possible, to listen to their problems and suggestions, and to change the situation together. A manager should ask staff the main question "How do you feel at work and what can I do to make you feel better?", not to go around looking for mistakes.

There was an important discussion among the participants on how the use of dynamic security will affect each unit, and what each unit can do specifically to contribute to the implementation of this approach – Security Management, Resocialisation and Criminal Intelligence. Representatives of each unit highlighted the key points.

Security Management Unit sees the need for all staff to receive training, proposes to include the implementation of dynamic security in the annual tasks, initiate the introduction of common spaces and rooms for inmates and staff to communicate together, participate as much as possible in common meetings and discussions with other units, have discussions within the unit, organise case discussion groups, organise informal events and ask for the opinion of staff. It was emphasised that dynamic security is very important for the Security Management Unit, enhancing security and facilitating work.

Criminal Intelligence Unit: in the context of the development of the dynamic security approach, the representatives of this unit informed about their commitments to communicate and cooperate more with other units, become more open, be known, understood and trusted by other staff, participate more in common activities with inmates and officers, share relevant information with other units, share insights about the inmate, and provide a wider description of an inmate so the staff members get to know him/her better.

Resocialisation Unit welcomed the fact that the use of the dynamic security approach will not only enhance the safety of all, but will also make resocialisation a common goal for all units, and will increase the number of staff who will communicate with an inmate and exchange information, thus ensuring openness, trust, quality and continuity of services. However, it is clear that many staff need to strengthen their competences, especially in the areas of ethics, human rights and communication.

The two days of training were both busy and productive. The work is ongoing and the understanding and knowledge gained from the discussions should be used in everyone's daily activities.

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The Prison Department shall allocate funding to non-governmental organisations providing support to inmates

The Prison Department, implementing the pre-defined project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021, selected non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for inmate resocialization projects through a call for proposals. The Prison Department shall provide funding to selected NGOs for their activities in prisons. The projects will enable NGOs to offer inmates the necessary support and to develop meaningful cooperation between NGOs and prisons.

The following NGOs were selected: VšĮ Nacionalinis socialinės integracijos institutas (reg. No 1G-8073, 37,57 points scored), funding allocated to the project “I am the change”; Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas (reg. No 1G-8078, 36,9 points scored), funding allocated to the project “5PN: pre-release services in correctional and halfway houses”; VšĮ Žmogiškųjų išteklių stebėsenos ir plėtros biuras (reg. No 1G-8113, 35,1 points scored), funding allocated to the project “Complex services for sentenced inmates on release/ released from prisons”; The Family Center of the Vilnius Archdiocese (reg. No 1G-8109, 33,1 points scored), funding allocated to the project “Promoting the social and psychological integration of inmates”; VšĮ Gebu (reg. No 1G-8080, 30,6 points scored), funding allocated to the project “Complex support for successful resocialisation and integration of inmates”.

Funding was not allocated to the following NGOs: VšĮ Asmenybės ugdymo mokykla (reg. No 1G-8075, 24,6 points scored) with the project “Plan for freedom”; VšĮ Socialiniai paramos projektai (reg. No 1G-8112, 24,6 points scored) with the project “Supporting the integration of inmates into society”; Lithuanian Red Cross (reg. No 1G-8117, 24,1 points scored) with the project “Reach out a helping hand! Training in first aid skills, restoring family ties”; VšĮ Family Center Būkime kartu (reg. No 1G-8079, 24,1 points scored) with the project “Complex social integration services for inmates”; VšĮ Ruta Reiki Mercar mokymų ir tyrimų institutas (reg. No 1G-8111, 24 points scored) with the project “Optimize yourself”; VšĮ Socialinės gerovės projektai (reg. No 1G-8083, 23,6 points scored) with the project “Social skills training, education, legal and psychological services for inmates in Lithuania”; VŠĮ Vedų kultūros centras (reg. No 1G-8108, 23 points scored) with the project “Resilience: Supporting the successful re-socialisation and integration of inmates into society”; VšĮ Voluntarius LT (reg. No 1G-8070, 21,14 points scored), project “I am needed”; VšĮ Inovatyvus projektai (reg. No 1G-8110, 21,1 points scored) with the project “Social integration of inmates into society”; VšĮ Menų agentūra Atrscape (reg. No 1G-8124, 13,9 points scored) with the project “Positive Employment Programme”; Telšiai Women’s Society Akvalina (reg. No 1G-8074, 13,4 points scored) with the project “Complex range of services for released inmates and their family members”.

 

 Dynamic security training for managers highlighted the importance of respect and trust

Within the framework of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021 efforts are taken to improve the quality of services provided in line with the European and international human rights standards and develop the competences of senior staff in the area of dynamic security.

On 11-12 October, 35 senior officials and staff from the Prison Department, Vilnius Correction House and Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony participated in the dynamic security training. The trainings were delivered by Norwegian experts and heads of prisons: Torunn Hasler, Ida Lindmo, Kim Wæraas Ole Stageberg, Lars Øster, Ole Arvesen, Siri Broch-Utne.

Torunn Hasler, senior adviser from the Norwegian Directorate of Correctional Service talked about the previous project activities, Lina Ižganaitienė, chief specialist of the Resocialisation Unit of the Prison Department, presented the leadership platform developed during the previous trainings: the values, goals, principles and requirements for the leadership of the Lithuanian penitentiary system. The manager’s role was highlighted as very important to the development of the dynamic security and that the success of the dynamic security approach depends on the behaviour of the manager and the example set.

The Norwegian experts reiterated that respect is the key factor. First of all, managers should respectfully treat and communicate with both the inmates and staff. The manager should be visible in the establishment, visiting and participating in the daily activities of staff. Managers should also support contact officers to spend as much time as possible in contact with inmates.

Representatives from Innlandet Kongsvinger, Bredtveit and Oslo halfway house shared their insights on the dynamic security in different regimes. The closed regime is full of requirements, restrictions and inmates are locked, which makes it difficult to establish a positive relationship between officers and inmates. In this case you should use the opportunities that are positive to socialising - outdoor space, joint sports events or other activities. Is’ easier at women’ Bredtveit prison or a halfway house. Lars Øster, head of the halfway house, emphasised the essence of dynamic security - the relationship with an inmate is security. You can't control the situation from a distance, you need to communicate as much as possible and get to know an inmate.

Human resources are key in dynamic security. A security system consists of static security, organisational security and dynamic security. Dynamic security uses interpersonal communication to ensure safety.

Communication, teamwork and information sharing among staff are also part of dynamic security. Participants agreed that managers need to visit the establishment, encourage staff to interact in a more friendly way and set the example themselves, organise joint meetings and, above all, invite to express, listen to and hear all opinions.

Trust is the core value of both leadership and dynamic security. Participants discussed how much they trust each other, staff and inmates. Trust is often associated with openness and the possibilities to analyse work-related problems without fear of being punished. The role of Criminal Intelligence in dynamic security, the methods they use and the Norwegian partners' suggestion to strengthen intra-agency communication, information sharing and focus more on preventive work were also discussed.

 

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Norway contributes more than 20 million EUR to the reform of the penitentiary system in Lithuania

Thepenitentiary system in Lithuania is being reformed in line with the Norwegian model by substantially modifying staff training, education, competence building practices and the resocialisation of offenders. The aim is to develop a system of staff competence building that will ensure the successful integration of offenders into society during their sentence term and after release.

The project aimed to improve the quality of the Lithuanian penitentiary system is implemented by the Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania. A joint project with Norwegian partners, implemented from August 2020 through April 2024, has been awarded more than 20.5 million EUR from EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021. The Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) supervises the Project implementation.

According to Mr Česlovas Jocius, Adviser to the Prison Department, the project will contribute to restructuring the Lithuanian penitentiary staff training system, improve cooperation between institutions, and also set up employment centres for vocational training, education and skill-building for inmates, and facilitate wider use of electronic monitoring of offenders. These factors will significantly contribute to qualitative changes in the national penitentiary system.

"A testing tool to assess penitentiary staff psychological knowledge, teamwork skills, stress resilience and communication skills is under development. The test scores will facilitate the design of individual competence building plans and training needs. Training programmes focused on dynamic security training for officers are also being updated," says Mr. Jocius.

He believes that adequate staff qualification, competence and motivation are the keys to success, which allows for more effective resocialisation of inmates, increased job satisfaction and prestige of the profession, and a balanced and sustainable environment in the overall penitentiary system.

Lithuanian penitentiary staff learn how to create such an environment from their Norwegian colleagues while participating in the training courses and internships in Norway. Professionals from the University College of the Norwegian Correctional Service, Innlandet and Bredveit prisons, Oslo Halfway House and Oslo Probation Service share their experience with the Lithuanian partners: officers from the Training Center of the Prison Department, Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony, Marijampolė Correction House, Alytus Correction House, Kaunas Remand Prison and Lithuanian Probation Service.

Within the framework of the project, a special place is given to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the support they provide to inmates.In seeking closer cooperation between correctional institutions, halfway houses, probation services and non-governmental organisations, a cooperation model will be developed to ensure that inmates are provided with the necessary services for their successful integration into society.

The NGOs will support inmates in correctional facilities or halfway houses to re-adjust to the social environment, obtain the necessary information and access to the social support system, re-establish and strengthen contacts with relatives and family members, to develop capacity for dealing with social and other problems, acquire the skills necessary for integration into the labour market, i.e., to fully facilitate their social integration.

In the short term, the Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania, within the framework of this project, will launch a call for proposals for projects of non-governmental organisations for the resocialisation of inmates.

About the Justice and Home Affairs programme

The Justice and Home Affairs programme strengthens the rule of law in Lithuania. The Programme instruments increase the efficiency of the Lithuanian judiciary and prosecutor's office, improve the penitentiary system, enhance the competencies of the judiciary and law enforcement authorities and inter-institutional cooperation in the field of domestic and gender-based violence and improve police capacity in the fight against crime. In total, over 40 million EUR has been invested in the programme for the period 2014-2021. The programme is operated by the CPMA and co-implemented with partners.

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NGOs Invited to Comment on the Provisions for Selection of Project Proposals

NGOs invited to cooperate: a Call for Proposals will be launched

The Prison Department, implementing the pre-defined project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021, is planning to launch a call for proposals for offender resocialisation projects by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The selected NGO projects are expected to contribute to the provision of necessary support to offenders and to the development of meaningful cooperation between NGOs and prisons.

Representatives of NGOs are invited to submit their comments on the content and provisions of the Call for Proposals for the implementation of the Concept on Cooperation between NGOs and the Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania to the e-mail address: valentina.siliuk@kaldep.lt by 29 July 2022 12:00 AM. The feedback provided by NGO representatives will be an excellent starting point for closer cooperation.

More information:https://we.tl/t-Yq3XGP8JC5

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 Building new staff skills to address re-offending

“Every single time you help somebody stand up, you are helping humanity rise” – this quote describes best the work of prison and probation resocialisation professionals and its significance. On 10 June, a group of penitentiary staff successfully completed a training course on the use of a new intervention tool for persons at high risk of re-offending organized at the Training Centre of the Prison Department.

The set of rules for conditionally released persons at high risk of re-offending will become a new penitentiary tool to gradually integrate offenders with need for special attitude into society. The tool covers not only intensive social work with the offenders, but also close cooperation between penitentiary establishments and the Lithuanian Probation Service while accompanying the offenders on the path to positive changes.

The training on the new intervention tool was organized within the framework of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021. Maren Riis and Stig Solheim, the experts from the Kingdom of Norway, delivered the training and shared their experience.

 Close long-term cooperation with experts from the Norwegian correctional system helps to adopt the best practices of the Kingdom of Norway and implement more efficient behaviour modification methods for offenders.

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Knowledge of the Best Norwegian Experience through Training and Practice

The third training and practice in prisons session for trainers/ lecturers took place in the Kingdom of Norway from 3 to 7 April 2022. Staff from Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony, Vilnius Correction House, Training Centre and the Lithuanian Probation Service took part in the training. The training was delivered by the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System partners from Norway: Ole Stageberg, Associate professor, KRUS and Tone Monkerud, resocialization officer from Bretveit prison; Torunn Hasler, Senior Adviser of International Unit and Lina Ižganaitienė, chief specialist from Resocialization Unit of the Prison Department coordinated the training.

The training was delivered within the framework of the Project Development of Quality Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System(PDP 3) implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms programme Justice and Home Affairs 2014-2021. It aimed to improve the quality of services provided to bring them in line with the European and international human rights standards and to improve the staff competencies.

In the Kingdom of Norway, training participants had a two-day internship at Bredtveit, Oslo Prisons and Kongsvinger Branch, they had an opportunity to observe the work of the contact officers and participate in the shift change process. Many Lithuanian professionals were impressed by the integrated approach of the Norwegian officers towards inmates, and the participants had the opportunity to get involved in the daily activities of a correctional institution. In Norway, one of the most important goals is a positive relationship with an inmate and his/ her engagement in employment. Officers work in direct contact with inmates, discuss simple, everyday topics, but, as they have highlighted, they work professionally and with a good knowledge of the individuals, assessing the potential risks.

The Norwegian experts' way of training encourages participants to engage and reflect. During the training, participants prepared mini-presentations on the topics of dynamic security and changes in the penitentiary system. This workshop method is widely used at the University College of Norwegian Correctional Service, as communication competences, i. e., the ability to speak, to communicate clearly and to know body language expressions, are essential for officers. Professional communication with inmates is the most important tool in an officer's daily work.

Trainers/ lecturers, trained by the Norwegian experts, will disseminate the Norwegian best practices to their Lithuanian colleagues via the digital training films "Dynamic Security", "

Prison Department

The Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania(hereinafter – Prison Department) is the institution under the governance area of the Ministry of Justice, which aims to methodically manage and control the activities of probation services and custodial facilities.

The Prison Department participates in the national penitentiary and probation policy formation process by organizing, coordinating and controlling the appropriate and unified implementation of probation, criminal sanctions, penal and educational measures, and pre-trial detention in the institutions subordinate to the Prison Department.

Institutions subordinate to the Prison Department:

- Alytus Correction House;

- Marijampolė Correction House;

- Panevėžys Correction House;

- Pravieniškės Correction House -Open Prison Colony;

- Vilnius Correction House;

- Šiauliai Remand Prison;

- Kaunas Remand Prison;

- Central Prison Hospital;

- Training Centre of the Prison Department;

- Lithuanian Probation Service.

The Prison Department also implements the ownership rights and duties of the State Enterprise “Mūsų Amatai”.

The Prison Department is the project applicant and promoter responsible for the proper implementation of the project.

More information: http://www.kaldep.lt/lt/kalejimu-departamentas/pradzia.html

 

Alytus Correction House

Alytus Correction House is the institution subordinate to the Prison Department, which focuses on implementing the national policy by carrying out pre-trial detention, arrest and custodial sentences of offenders sentenced to serve a custodial sentence in prison, a correction house or an open prison colony.

Alytus Correction House is responsible for safety, supervision and isolation of inmates placed in the institution as well as for their material provision and living conditions that respect human dignity and comply with the Lithuanian hygiene standards; the institution implements social work with pre-trial detainees and social rehabilitation of sentenced inmates, organizes inmates’ employment and other purposeful activities and carries out any other functions outlined in the legislation.

Alytus Correction House with NGOs will be involved in the development of the model of walking inmates from a correction house, a halfway house, probation to life in freedom. During the project implementation, Alytus Correction House will adopt work experience and good practices and follow up on the principles of dynamic security. It will also adopt good practices and professional experience in practical training of penitentiary officers from Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet and Bredtveit prison.

More information: http://www.kaldep.lt/lt/apn/pradzia_1216.html

 

Marijampolė Correction House

Marijampolė Correction House is the institution subordinate to the Prison Department, which focuses on implementing the national policy by carrying out pre-trial detention, arrest and custodial sentences of offenders sentenced to serve a custodial sentence in prison, a correction house or an open prison colony.

Marijampolė Correction House is responsible for safety, supervision and isolation of inmates placed in the institution as well as for their material provision and living conditions that respect human dignity and comply with the Lithuanian hygiene standards; the institution implements social work with pre-trial detainees and social rehabilitation of sentenced inmates, organizes inmates’ employment and other purposeful activities and carries out any other functions outlined in the legislation.

Marijampolė Correction House with NGOs will be involved in the development of the model of walking inmates from a correction house, a halfway house, probation to life in freedom. During the project implementation, Marijampolė Correction House will adopt work experience and good practices and follow up on the principles of dynamic security. It will also adopt good practices and professional experience in practical training of penitentiary officers from Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet and Bredtveit prison.

More information: http://www.kaldep.lt/lt/mpn/naujienos-mpn.html

 

Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony

Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony is the institution subordinate to the Prison Department, which focuses on implementing the national policy by carrying out pre-trial detention, arrest and custodial sentences of offenders sentenced to serve a custodial sentence in prison, a correction house or an open prison colony.

Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony is responsible for safety, supervision and isolation of inmates placed in the institution as well as for their material provision and living conditions that respect human dignity and comply with the Lithuanian hygiene standards; the institution implements social work with pre-trial detainees and social rehabilitation of sentenced inmates, organizes inmates’ employment and other purposeful activities and carries out any other functions outlined in the legislation.

During the project implementation at Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony, a modern penitentiary infrastructure will be developed which will meet the international human rights standards and the needs of the penitentiary staff of the facility. The occupation of inmates will be organized in line with the practice and knowledge adopted from Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet and Bredtveit prison. The provision of services to inmates will be modernized, intervention programs and measures to reduce the criminal risk will be adapted. The motivated penitentiary staff will facilitate adoption and efficient adaptation of the principles of dynamic security used by the correctional officers of the Kingdom of Norway. A practical training centre for the correctional officers will be established. Pravieniškės Correction House-Open Prison Colony will also participate in the process of walking inmates from the correctional facility.

More information: http://www.kaldep.lt/lt/pravienpn-ak/pradzia-apn_362.html

 

Vilnius Correction House

Vilnius Correction House is the institution subordinate to the Prison Department, which focuses on implementing the national policy by carrying out pre-trial detention, arrest and custodial sentences of offenders sentenced to serve a custodial sentence in prison, a correction house or an open prison colony.

Vilnius Correction House is responsible for safety, supervision and isolation of inmates placed in the institution as well as for their material provision and living conditions that respect human dignity and comply with the Lithuanian hygiene standards; the institution implements social work with pre-trial detainees and social rehabilitation of sentenced inmates, organizes inmates’ employment and other purposeful activities and carries out any other functions outlined in the legislation.

During the project implementation at Vilnius Correction House, a modern penitentiary infrastructure will be developed which will meet the international human rights standards and the needs of the penitentiary staff of the facility. The practice and knowledge will be adopted from Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet and Bredtveit prison and a modern centre for training, vocational training and occupation of inmates will be established. The provision of services to inmates will be modernized, intervention programs and measures to reduce the criminal risk will be adapted. The motivated penitentiary staff will facilitate adoption and efficient adaptation of the principles of dynamic security used by the correctional officers of the Kingdom of Norway. A practical training centre for the correctional officers will be established. Vilnius Correction House will also participate in the process of walking inmates from the correctional facility.

More information: http://www.kaldep.lt/lt/vilniauspn/new_1429.html

 

Kaunas Remand Prison

Kaunas Remand Prison is the institution subordinate to the Prison Department, which focuses on implementing the national policy by carrying out pre-trial detention, arrest and custodial sentences of offenders sentenced to serve a custodial sentence in prison, a correction house or an open prison colony.

Kaunas Remand Prison is responsible for safety, supervision and isolation of inmates placed in the institution as well as for their material provision and living conditions that respect human dignity and comply with the Lithuanian hygiene standards; the institution implements social work with pre-trial detainees and social rehabilitation of sentenced inmates, organizes inmates’ employment and other purposeful activities and carries out any other functions outlined in the legislation.

During the project implementation, Kaunas Remand Prison will engage in the development and implementation process of START: AV, a criminal risk assessment tool for adolescents. It will adopt work experience and good practices and follow up on the principles of dynamic security.

More information: http://www.kaldep.lt/lt/kaunoti/naujienos-kaunoti.html

 

Training Centre of the Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania

Training Centre of the Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter – Training Centre)is a vocational education institution, which focuses on training cadets to obtain qualifications and competence necessary for correctional officers, and to upgrade the competence of correctional officers and staff.

Training Centre provides vocational and introductory education and competence upgrading for the penitentiary staff.

Once the project is completed, the Training Centre of the Prison Department under the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania will become the bridging institution for the Lithuanian penitentiary system, where practical and scientific knowledge is accumulated, organized, updated and used for staff training, and relevant research is carried out. During the lifetime of the project, a new staff competency framework will be developed, existing and new strategic documents of the training institution will be revised, curricula for correctional officers of all ranks, teachers, instructors will be drawn up, the correctional officer modular vocational education program will be updated, the Norwegian practical training model for correctional officers will be adapted and positive experience of correctional officers’ work adopted. A modern, innovative training infrastructure will be created to meet the training, qualification upgrading and retraining needs of correctional officers, cadets, professionals, social workers.

More information: http://www.kaldep.lt/lt/kdmc/pradzios_puslapis.htm

 

Lithuanian Probation Service

Lithuanian Probation Service is the institution subordinate to the Prison Department, which focuses on implementing the national policy on probation, community services and restriction of freedom, penal and educational measures; and conducts an investigation of an offender's social environment, criminogenic factors, other circumstances that may help the court to individualize the conditions of probation.

During the implementation of the project, the Lithuanian Probation Service will draw up a strategy on electronic monitoring devices by adopting the experience and knowledge of the Oslo Probation Service, and intervention tools used by the Norwegian partners for criminal risk reduction will be adapted. The Lithuanian Probation Service will engage in the development and implementation process of START: AV, a criminal risk assessment tool for adolescents. The probation officers will broaden their scope of work following the Norwegian model of walking inmates from the correctional facilities, and the work with future probationers will be started at the correction house involving NGOs in the process of inmates’ resocialization.

More information: http://www.kaldep.lt/lt/papt/pradzia-apn_641.html

 

Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet

Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet consists of the former units Vestoppland prison, Hedmark prison, Hedmark and Oppland probation office and Kongsvinger prison. The purpose of merging the units is to establish a seamless execution of sentences under a joint management. Following the merger, Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet is Norway's largest prison and probation unit.

During the project implementation, Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet will consult on the application of dynamic security principles. They will also participate at the joint meetings of the partners, disseminate knowledge on the issues of inmates’ resocialization, supervision, training, release; share its experience of collaboration with NGOs, probation services, other social partners; facilitate the establishment of the practical training centres for the correctional officers in Lithuania.

https://www.kriminalomsorgen.no/innlandet-kriminalomsorgen-innlandet-avd-samfunn-hamar.5024841-237841.html

 

Bredtveit Prison

Bredtveit Prison is a nationwide institution for female prisoners. The Prison has a high security and low security units. Low security unit in collaboration with public organizations is focused on inmates’ preparation for release, addiction treatment.

During the project implementation, Bredtveit prison will share good practices and professional experience in practical training of penitentiary officers, facilitate the establishment of the practical training centres for the correctional officers in Lithuania. They will also advise on the training of internship mentors and on the issues of dynamic security; participate at the joint meetings of the partners, disseminate knowledge on the issues of inmates’ resocialization, supervision, training, conditional release; share its experience of collaboration with NGOs, probation services, other social partners.

https://www.kriminalomsorgen.no/bredtveit-fengsel-og-forvaringsanstalt.5022891-237612.html

 

University College of Norwegian Correctional Service

University College of Norwegian Correctional Service (KRUS) offers the only primary education for prison officers in Norway through an accredited two-year programme leading to the degree University College Graduate in Correctional Studies. It also offers a supplementary course for students wanting to achieve a Bachelor's Degree in Correctional Studies. In addition to the primary education, KRUS also offers non-accredited further education and is responsible for planning, teaching, and hosting a number of courses and conferences for employees of the correctional services and partner organisations. KRUS is a centre of knowledge for the correctional services and partners, as well as being involved in research and professional development.

During the project implementation, the University College of Norwegian Correctional Service (KRUS) will facilitate its Lithuanian partners to adopt and adapt interventions for reduction of criminal risk, positive occupation tools for inmates, dynamic security development methods. It will also participate in the training for senior management, vocational teachers of correctional officers, program trainers and internship mentors.

https://www.krus.no/english.511948.no.html

 

Oslo Probation Office

There are 17 probation offices in 40 locations. Probation offices are responsible for the implementation of community sanctions, like the community sentence, the program against intoxicated driving, release on license, home detention with or without electronic monitoring, and for the writing of pre-sentence reports. The probation office in charge of implementing the sentence will then carry out an intake with the offender and establish the contents in the sentence. This may consist of (a part with) unpaid work and other activities that are deemed to be important for preventing re-offending for the individual offender.

During the project implementation, Oslo Probation Office will share the practical experience on the use of electronic monitoring tools, will facilitate drawing up of the strategy for the use of electronic monitoring tools in Lithuania. They will also present the interventions to reduce the criminal risk, assist in their adaptation for the use in Lithuania and take part in the preparation of manuals for the programs; share their long-standing experience on improving inmates’ resocialization in close cooperation between Oslo Probation Offices, Oslo Halfway House and officials of the correctional facilities and other halfway houses of the Kingdom of Norway and representatives of NGOs.

https://www.kriminalomsorgen.no/?cat=536003#

 

Oslo Half-way House

Halfway houses ensure an offender’s gradual reintegration back to normal life. After serving part of the sentence in prison an inmate may be transferred to a halfway house. An offender shall not be transferred provided an offender refuses to cooperate in seeking the aims of the sentence or puts the security of the institution at risk and there’s a justified reason to consider an inmate will evade a sentence. Inmates willing to live in a halfway house must work. They may find a job themselves or a prison/ social welfare may assist them.

During the project implementation, Oslo Halfway House will share the best operational practices, experience in cooperation with correctional facilities, probation office and NGOs; showcase the process and outcomes of close collaboration; facilitate the implementation of the model of walking inmates from a correction facility; consult on the issues of dynamic security.

https://kriminalomsorgen.custompublish.com