Description
The overall objective of the project is to improve the operation of the system for execution of sentences in Bulgaria in accordance with the relevant international instruments for the implementation of probation and alternatives to prison. The specific objectives of the project are: - Facilitating the access of judges and prosecutors to the European standards and materials on pre-sentence probation reports and by studying the experience of leading countries such as Hungary and Norway - Improving the practical skills and knowledge of judges, prosecutors and probation officers for increased use of alternatives to prison - Raising awareness of the application of probation and alternatives measures among stakeholders and the general public. The main target group of the project are 20 judges and prosecutors from Ruse and Blagoevgrad judicial districts, as well as 40 probation officers from all the regional offices of GDES - sector "Probation".
Summary of project results
The project is motivated by the needs and shortages of the probation system in Bulgaria. The initial assessment of the Project promoter was that in pre-trial and trial phase the probation measures have been almost missing and the opportunities of the pre-sentence report have been undervalued. By facilitating the access of magistrates and probation officers to related training the project was aimed at improvement of the operation of the penitentiary system in applying measures alternative to imprisonment. Basing on research of standards for probation and alternative measures in Norway and Hungary and assessment of the training needs in the field, curricula, handbooks and other material was developed for initial and continuing training on probation. The implementation of the programs involved training of 38 probation officers, 12 judges, and 10 prosecutors, and training for trainers for 15 probation officers. Awareness raising measures were also applied among interested parties and the general public. The target groups actively participated in all the activities and took full advantage of the opportunities of cross-sectorial cooperation, exchange of experience, and obtaining and applying new knowledge.
Summary of bilateral results