Cesu Correctional Institution for Juveniles is the only Latvian institution where juveniles can serve their sentences. The institution currently houses more than 100 young inmates aged between 14 and 21. The oldest prison buildings were erected already in the mid-19th century, and years of neglect have taken its toll on the institution.
The Norway Grants are now providing much-needed funds for renovations to the prison, where several buildings require complete rebuilding. With €1 million in grant support, a new pre-trial detention unit will be constructed in accordance with modern prison building standards. The new building will also host premises for various educational and social rehabilitation activities.
Thanks to the support, a study trip to Norway has also been organised for Latvia Prison Authority, who is behind the project. The prison authorities paid visits to Ila Prison, Ringerike Prison as well as the newly built Halden Prison in Norway. Another study trip to exchange know-how and experience with prison authorities in Estonia is also in the pipeline.
Cesu Correctional Institution for Juveniles will serve as a pilot project for improving the standard of Latvian prisons, and a set of guidelines and recommendations for prison building standards in Latvia will be developed in conjunction with the project.