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Description
The objective of this project is to develop an integrated set of measures to prevent and reduce re-offending and to increase inmates’ chances of being reintegrated into society. The planned activities include:
- Developing policy documents to support the prevention of re-offending in Romania
- Further staff training and advancement of specialized interventions applied to the inmates in Mărgineni Penitentiary, including Roma and other vulnerable groups, which will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of such interventions
- Upgrading the infrastructure at the Mărgineni Penitentiary which will allow for proper lodging conditions and the undertaking of reintegration programmes
Summary of project results
This project promoted an integrated approach towards introducing significant transformations on social reintegration of inmates and the prevention of re-offending, through the elaboration of the first public policy document on the prevention of re-offending in Romania, increased efficiency and effectiveness of specialized interventions on inmates from Margineni Prison and upgraded infrastructure at Margineni Prison (52 new detention places).
Result 1 - Development of strategic policy documents on preventing recidivism
Main achievements: a comprehensive and integrated study on the causes of recidivism, including 3 sociological researches, elaborated, translated into English, published on the project’s web page, printed and widely debated and disseminated nationally and Internationally; a draft strategy and action plan on prevention of recidivism elaborated and submitted for analysis of the Inter-ministerial committee and dedicated working groups set up by Governmental Decision no. 243/16.07.2024, estimated to be finalized and submitted for Governmental approval in the first part of 2025. These strategic documents provide a coherent approach towards implementing the necessary measures for the prevention and reduction of re-offending nationally and they will also ensure the continuity of the national Strategy for the social reintegration of persons deprived of liberty 2020-2024, approved by Governmental Decision no. 230/27.05.2020, which ended in 2024.
Result 2 – Modernized services and infrastructure at Margineni Prison
Main achievements: 67 prison staff from various sectors of activity trained on career guidance (10), first aid (50), cultural sensitivity (17) to assist inmates during their reintegration process; 291 detainees trained in crop farming (53), carpentry (28), landscaping (44), reducing aggressive-addictive behavior (87), and certified in non-formal acquired competences (81). The newly acquired skills will increase inmates’ employment opportunities and will also provide the possibility for a more autonomous and confident life after release. Moreover, the” Multidisciplinary project for high risk and addicted inmates” at Margineni Prison consisting of a legal analysis on current legislation regarding the execution of sentences in maximum security regime and its psychological impact on inmates as well as a recuperative intervention (made of of 3 modules- psychology, social care and sports) of inmates serving long sentences was piloted (with 87 inmates) and finalized. It will be further adapted and replicated within the entire prison system.
As regards infrastructure, the greenhouses were completed and the investment objective of Margineni prison (52 new prison places, 60% rate of progress on 20.02.2025) is envisaged to be finalized by 30 April 2025 with funds from state budget (unless other financing sources are identified).
The project contributed to Outcome 2 - Improved correctional services through the following targets and indicators:
- Number of policy recommendations on reducing recidivism adopted (Target = 1) - An in-depth assessment of the causes of recidivism in Romania, as well as a policy document on the prevention of recidivism and an associated action plan were elaborated. Based on these documents, the National Strategy for Preventing Recidivism was developed and is foreseen to be adopted by the Government in 2025;
- Number of prisoners undergoing work and training programs (Target = 575) - 291 inmates qualified in crop farming (53), carpentry (28), landscaping/ maintenance of green spaces (42), construction worker (51), waiter (30), reducing aggressive-addictive behavior (87);
- Number of prisons with new working and training facilities for detainees (Target = 3) - The execution of works at Margineni prison continued after 30 April 2024 and is envisaged to be completed by 30 April 2025;
Number of policy recommendations on reducing recidivism proposed (Target = 2) - The policy documents with recommendations on reducing recidivism were elaborated (i.e. Public Policy Document on Preventing Recidivism and its Action Plan). Based on these documents, the National Strategy for Preventing Recidivism was developed and is foreseen to be adopted by the Government in 2025;
Number of prison and probation staff trained in social care of convicted persons and in cultural sensitivity regarding vulnerable groups, centered on Roma (Target = 417) - 67 prison staff (54 male and 13 female) were trained in ‘Career guidance’ (10), developing abilities to work with convicted people and in sensibility/ cultural diversity (7), providing first aid (50).