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Description
The project contributes to Programme outcome “Improved correctional services”.
The project supports the measures related to the implementation of penitentiary reform in order to meet the new challenges and international commitments of the Bulgarian state and to achieve real and long-term results.
The specific objectives of the project are:
- Improving the correctional system by building a "pilot prison". The construction of the new prison facility will reduce the prison population in the area and create conditions that meet European standards, recommendations and good practices. A modern staff training center will be established to be linked to the "pilot prison", capacity up to 100 students and equipped halls for interactive group training and self-study.
- Upgrading and modernizing the concept of staff training and building a knowledge-based organization. It is planned to increase the capacity of the prison staff through training focused on ethics, values and dynamic security, including working with vulnerable groups (Roma, juvenile drug addicts).
- Improving rehabilitation of prisoners and enhancing their social competences to reduce recurrence, with a focus on vulnerable groups. With the support and supervision of mentors (probation inspectors in prisons), various programs will be implemented for social competences, parental care and restoration of family ties, the realization of the labor market and other skills.
- Enhancing synergy and cooperation with stakeholders and civil society to improve the follow-up care of prisoners after their release. An inter-institutional cooperation network will be established with the help of mentors and opportunities will be provided to support prisoners, depending on individual needs. before and after their release. This will help their social inclusion and reduce the risk of re-offending and harming society.
Summary of project results
The project was designed to solve critical shortcomings in Bulgaria’s correctional system, which struggled with outdated infrastructure, inadequate rehabilitation opportunities, and a lack of structured training for prison and probation staff. One of the most pressing concerns was the substandard living conditions in prisons, which failed to comply with international and European human rights standards. Like overcrowding, poor hygiene, and insufficient space for educational and rehabilitation activities significantly hindered inmates’ reintegration prospects. Particularly vulnerable were young offenders and individuals from marginalized backgrounds, including the Roma community. These groups often lacked access to specialized rehabilitation programs tailored to their needs, sharping the cycle of reoffending. Additionally, the absence of a structured approach to post-release reintegration meant that many former inmates faced severe difficulties finding employment and rebuilding their lives, leading to alarmingly high recidivism rates. Another fundamental challenge was the outdated training system for correctional officers. With limited access to modern methodologies and professional development, prison and probation staff struggled to implement effective rehabilitation strategies. The lack of structured risk assessment tools further complicated the management of inmates, preventing a personalized approach to rehabilitation. Compounding these challenges were external factors that emerged during the project’s implementation. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of planned training sessions and shifted many activities to online formats, reducing their effectiveness. Additionally, the war in Ukraine caused a dramatic rise in construction costs, impacting the budget allocated for infrastructure development. Despite these difficulties, the project was designed to introduce long-term reforms by modernizing correctional facilities, enhancing rehabilitation frameworks, and equipping staff with the necessary tools to support inmates’ reintegration into society.
To address the urgent need for prison reform, the project introduced a range of transformative activities. One of its major achievements was the construction of a pilot prison facility. This modern correctional center provided improved living conditions for inmates, incorporating educational spaces, rehabilitation units, and a halfway house to support reintegration efforts. Designed to align with European correctional standards, the facility aimed to create a more humane and effective prison environment. Recognizing the importance of structured rehabilitation, the project developed and implemented specialized programs tailored to different groups of inmates. These initiatives included vocational training, educational courses, psychological counseling, and mentorship programs, all designed to equip prisoners with the skills and support necessary for a successful return to society. A particular focus was placed on vulnerable populations, ensuring that young offenders and marginalized communities received targeted interventions to reduce their risk of reoffending. In parallel, a comprehensive training system for correctional staff was established. The project introduced a new training center dedicated to enhancing the professional skills of prison and probation officers. More than 365 staff members participated in specialized courses covering dynamic security, rehabilitation techniques, risk assessment, and ethical standards in correctional work. A “train-the-trainer” model was adopted to ensure the sustainability of these educational initiatives, enabling trained officers to pass on their knowledge to future colleagues. A groundbreaking achievement was the integration of the BRiNSAT risk assessment tool into prison management systems. This digital tool enabled correctional officers to assess inmates’ risks, needs, and strengths more systematically, allowing for personalized rehabilitation strategies. Over 160 staff members were trained to use the tool, improving decision-making processes within the correctional system. By combining infrastructure improvements, innovative rehabilitation programs, and a modernized training framework for staff, the project successfully laid the foundation for a more efficient and humane correctional system.
The project’s outcomes had a profound impact on inmates, correctional staff, and society as a whole. One of the most visible achievements was the establishment of the new pilot prison, which provided a vastly improved environment for incarcerated individuals. Designed with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, the facility offered better housing conditions, dedicated spaces for educational and vocational training, and psychological support services. The inclusion of a halfway house provided transitional assistance to inmates nearing release, helping them reintegrate into society more successfully. For vulnerable groups such as young offenders and members of marginalized communities, the project introduced specialized programs aimed at breaking the cycle of reoffending. These initiatives included structured mentorship, employment support, and psychological counseling, ensuring that individuals received tailored assistance based on their specific needs. By prioritizing education and skill development, the project empowered inmates with tools for a more stable future after their release. The project also significantly improved the professional capacities of correctional officers. With over 365 staff members trained in modern correctional methodologies, prison and probation officers were better equipped to manage rehabilitation programs, conduct risk assessments, and apply evidence-based practices in their daily work. The implementation of the BRiNSAT tool revolutionized how inmate risks and needs were evaluated, contributing to a more structured and individualized approach to rehabilitation. This digital innovation strengthened decision-making processes, making the correctional system more effective and fair. Beyond the immediate beneficiaries, the project had a broader societal impact. By improving reintegration opportunities for former inmates, it contributed to reducing recidivism rates, ultimately enhancing public safety. The establishment of modern correctional practices aligned Bulgaria’s prison system with European standards, reinforcing the country’s commitment to human rights and justice reform. Furthermore, the collaboration between Bulgarian and Norwegian correctional institutions fostered long-term partnerships, ensuring continued exchange of expertise and best practices. Despite facing unforeseen challenges such as the pandemic and rising construction costs, the project adapted effectively to maintain its long-term sustainability. Through a holistic approach that combined infrastructure development, rehabilitation initiatives, and workforce training, it laid the groundwork for a correctional system that prioritizes rehabilitation, reintegration, and public safety.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Norway under the “Justice” Programme of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism (2014–2021) led to significant improvements in Bulgaria’s correctional system. The project focused on enhancing staff capacity, constructing a pilot prison linked to a training center, and improving rehabilitation services for inmates. A major achievement was the construction of a state-of-the-art prison in Samoranovo, accommodating 400 inmates, along with a training center for correctional officers, a halfway house, a social center, an educational facility, and recreational areas. This facility aligns with European prison standards and provides improved living conditions for inmates and staff. New rehabilitation programs were introduced, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as youth and the Roma community. A structured reintegration framework was developed, including mentoring initiatives and specialized rehabilitation programs. Additionally, a risk assessment tool (BRiNSAT) was created and integrated into the national correctional system to improve inmate evaluation and management. Training efforts were extensive, with 365 correctional staff trained in reintegration programs and 160 in risk assessment. The project also promoted international collaboration, engaging Norwegian correctional experts and European partners to share best practices. Challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic impact of the war in Ukraine, delayed construction and increased costs. However, strategic adjustments ensured continuity, including phased construction and alternative funding solutions. The partnership with Norway played a crucial role, providing expertise and facilitating knowledge exchange. The project’s outcomes strengthened Bulgaria’s correctional system, ensuring sustainability through continued training and policy integration.