Description
The main goal of the project is increasing the competence of the staff of the probation services and the judicial system, so that convictions are based on justice and followed by effective monitoring and psycho-social work with the offenders, prevention of recidivism and successful social inclusion of the convicted. The project will increase the resources of the probation services for selection, career development and initial preparation of the staff for effective probation work with the convicted. Special training programs will be developed for the implementation of probation activities with convicted persons from Roma communities and with young offenders. The project will also increase the competences of judges and prosecutors for the application of probation and will facilitate collaborative work between the judiciary and the probation services. The target group of the project is newly hired probation officers, active probation officers, judges and prosecutors from regional and district courts, as well as convicted persons on probation from the Roma community and young offenders.
Summary of project results
The PP has identified that the current professional profile of the probation officer is unsystematic, which in turn is among the main reasons for the high level of staff changes. Basing on a preliminary assessment of the training needs and development of professional profile of the probation officer the training curricula have been updated and methodological guidelines and training video materials elaborated. Over 100 probation officers underwent training. The approach included training of trainers and supervisors. The competence (knowledge, skills and attitudes) of the newly hired probation officers has been supported by training on case management of convicted in an extended normative environment and inter-disciplinary collaboration, based on human rights, the requirements of the international standards for alternative sanctions and punishments. The continuous training on following topics has been carried out: “Probation activity with juvenile offenders”, “Ethno-cultural and multicultural approach in the probation work”, “International standards, inter-institutional collaboration, preparation and participation in projects and networking”. The project also included measures for increasing the competence of judges and prosecutors for the application of the probation, for collaborative work with the probation services, and for understanding the meaning of the pre-sentence report. The PP organized 4 workshops for magistrates. Within the project a Support Council has been established composed representatives of the PP, the General Directorate `Execution of Sentences`, the national Social Support Agency, the District Court of Sofia.
Summary of bilateral results