Relatives of convicts – towards empowerment

Project facts

Project promoter:
Kaunas Caritas(LT)
Project Number:
LT-ACTIVECITIZENS-0098
Status:
In implementation
Initial project cost:
€50,015
Other Project Partners
Vilnus Caritas(LT)
Programme:

More information

Description

Lithuania leads in the EU in terms of the largest number of convicts per 100.000 inhabitants – 254, which is about 2.5 times the EU average. According to the Ministry of Justice, 62 percent of it is currently repeated by persons serving the sentence. Researchers studying the important factors for the successful integration of convicts into society agree that convicts’ relationship with relatives is one of the most important factors in preparing for release and deterring criminal behavior. The families and relatives of the convicts suffer from the consequences of imprisonment. They face a psychological and emotional burden, a crisis in family relationships, financial difficulties, and a stigmatizing attitude of society. That''s why it is very important that they can get help in their environment, which is why we see the need to sensibilize and inform communities by building a help network, and training professionals to work with this vulnerable group. The project aims at getting to know the hitherto „undiscovered“ group of vulnerable people – the relatives of convicts. To reach this goal we will use participatory advocacy techniques and awareness–raising, in order to better understand this group and its needs, promote their recognition and provide new services that respond to those needs. Results: • Creation of an information platform for the relatives of convicts. • Provision of targeted assistance to the relatives of convicts in response to their needs and seeking empowerment (180 persons) • 21 regional communities will be informed, mobilized, activated and involved. • 3 self–help groups of convicted relatives with assistance will be initiated (18 relatives). • Development of methodological guidelines for work with the relatives of convicts and training for working professionals (about 80 specialists). • Capacity building and networking of the project implementation team (2 international trainings; NGO good practice and information sharing meeting).

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