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Description
The number of imprisoned persons (235) per 100,000 population is about twice higher than the EU average and Lithuania is the leader in terms of the number of inmates per 100,000 population across the EU. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment underlines that the imprisonment conditions do not meet the international standards of human rights. The Lithuanian correctional system is standing behind the penitentiary systems of many European countries.
The project aims to improve the correctional service in Lithuania. The project is focused on development of competences of the prison/probation staff, social reintegration measures for inmates, improvement of the processes of correctional service and setting up an adequate infrastructure in line with the Council of Europe standards and best European practice.
The project includes:
- Development of intervention tools to reduce the risk of criminal behaviour;
- Acquiring equipment and tools for positive occupation of inmates;
- Development of an inmate''s release model from a correctional institution, half-way house, probation together with NGO;
- Designing of new curriculums and providing training for prison and probation staff;
- Upgrading and rebuilding of an existing building to become the New Training Centre;
- Establishing 8 training correctional units for practical training purposes;
- Development of electronic monitoring.
Target groups of the project are prison and probation staff. The end beneficiaries are inmates and persons under probation.
Donor project partners (University College of Norwegian Correctional Service, Oslo Probation Office, Oslo Half-way House, Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet and Bredtveit prison) will provide training for the correctional service staff; assist the Lithuanian partners in adopting and adapting the intervention measures for risk reduction, positive occupation for inmates, measures for development of dynamic security, etc.
Summary of project results
The high number of incarcerated individuals per 100,000 population, along with the challenging conditions of imprisonment, has been a significant issue in Lithuania. The country’s correctional system lags behind that of many other European nations.
The aim of this project was to enhance the correctional services in Lithuania. It focused on developing the competencies of prison and probation staff, improving social reintegration measures for inmates, optimizing correctional service processes, and establishing appropriate infrastructure. A key objective was also to create a smooth and seamless transition for inmates from correctional institutions to halfway houses and/or probation services, and eventually back into society.
Throughout the project, several developments were planned, including a revamp of the training process and the establishment of a Training Centre. The project aimed to strengthen the educational process by fostering close collaboration between the Training Centre and two pilot prison units practicing dynamic security. Additionally, two pilot correctional centres were to be set up at Pravieniškės 1st Prison and Vilnius Prison. The project also sought to reform the supervision and social integration processes for inmates, develop new correctional programs and positive occupancy initiatives, and promote the use of alternative sanctions, all in alignment with Council of Europe standards and the best practices across Europe.
During the project, several key activities were carried out to improve the correctional system in Lithuania:
Risk Assessment Tool: An electronic tool, based on the START:AV risk assessment methodology, was developed and implemented to better assess the risk of criminal behavior in convicted individuals.
Intervention and Activities for Inmates: Four intervention measures to reduce criminal behavior were approved and put into action. Additionally, 13 new positive activities for inmates were introduced, and necessary tools and equipment were purchased. 51 probation staff members were trained to deliver behavior change programs.
NGO Involvement: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were involved in the project and helped create a model to assist inmates as they transition out of correctional institutions. During the project, NGOs provided services to 2,572 inmates.
E-services for Inmates: A new e-services system for inmates was developed and launched.
Dynamic Security Model: A plan and a guide for developing the dynamic security model in Lithuania were prepared and implemented to improve security within the prison system.
Staffing and Support: Social workers, electronic monitoring specialists, and mediators were employed at pilot correctional institutions (Vilnius and Pravieniškės 1 prisons), along with social workers and resocialization specialists at halfway houses. These professionals were provided with the necessary tools to work with prisoners.
Training Programs: Various training programs for staff were developed and implemented. This included a Staff Development Concept, a Standard for Professional Training of Correctional Officers, and training courses for 1,392 individuals.
Infrastructure and Renovation: The Training Centre building was renovated, and an outdoor sports field/stadium was built in Antaviliai. A practical training center was set up at Vilnius Prison, and two sets of movable modules were purchased to create an occupational center for inmates and a TOG unit. At Pravieniškės 1 Prison, the facilities were also renovated to accommodate a practical training center and an occupational center. Three buildings were purchased for a halfway house, and four halfway houses were set up in Šiauliai, Kaunas, Tauragė, and Plungė. All of these centers and halfway houses were furnished and equipped with the necessary tools.
Electronic Monitoring Center: An electronic monitoring center was established within the Probation Service. Over the course of the project, 5,027 convicted individuals were monitored for presence and movement control.
The project helped improve the re-socialisation process for prisoners by involving NGOs and developing new models for the Lithuanian Probation Service. It introduced prison and probation staff to new methods for working with convicted individuals, giving them new skills and increasing their motivation. This enhanced their ability to work more effectively with inmates. As a result, prisoners were given better chances to successfully reintegrate into society while maintaining connections with their families and communities.
The project also improved the infrastructure of halfway houses and facilities for inmate vocational activities, aligning them with European standards. This created an environment that encouraged inmates to participate in training, vocational work, or other productive activities. These improvements helped inmates prepare for life after prison and supported their reintegration by providing the necessary skills and experience. The upgraded facilities also allowed for continuous staff training, improving their qualifications and readiness to work with prisoners. These changes led to stronger cooperation between staff, inmates, and other institutions, making the system more efficient and cohesive.
Summary of bilateral results
During the project donor project partners (University College of Norwegian Correctional Service, Oslo Probation Office, Oslo Half-way House, Kriminalomsorgen Innlandet and Bredtveit prison) provided training for the correctional service staff, assisted the Lithuanian partners in adopting and adapting the intervention measures for risk reduction, positive occupation for inmates, measures for development of dynamic security.Throughout the project, experience exchange visits were held. A total of 74 individuals from Norwegian partner institutions visited Lithuania to take part in activities, while 196 Lithuanian representatives traveled to Norway to share and gain experience.