Currently available funding
There are currently no calls for proposal.
Programme Summary
Why is the programme needed? Poland has in recent years made progress in reforming its criminal law and procedures to bring it into conformity with European standards. However, problems regarding overcrowding and conditions in prisons in general need to be tackled to improve the functioning of its correctional system. What will the programme achieve and how will it be achieved? The programme aims to improve the competences of prisoners and prison staff by raising the standards of support in prisons and the correctional services. The programme also aims to increase the use of alternative measures to imprisonment through extensive training programmes for judges, prosecutors and other actors involved in the criminal justice system, and by adopting an IT system which facilitates coordination between the relevant parties. The programme will be carried out through seven pre-defined projects which will contribute to the outcomes. One of the projects aims to strengthen the knowledge and social skills of prisoners through various training courses, as well as establishment of visiting rooms to allow prisoners to meet their families. Five of the projects focus on the competence-building of the prison staff through training and improvement of the correctional services, and one project focuses on increasing the use of alternatives to imprisonment. How will bilateral relations be strengthened? The programme is implemented in partnership with the Norwegian Correctional Services (KSF). The cooperation will evolve around knowledge sharing, research, information activities, international conferences, seminars and high-level meetings. A high-level meeting between the Director General in Norway and Poland has already taken place and another one is foreseen during the implementation of the Programme. The bilateral relations between the Programme Operator and donor programme partner have the potential to result in a continued cooperation between the public entities involved. What are the partnership opportunities? The programme includes a bilateral involvement at the project level, where a Norwegian project partner, Norway Correctional Services Staff Academy (KRUS) is at least be involved in two pre-defined projects, and possibly an additional two. Who can apply for funding under this programme? There are only pre-defined projects under the programme and no open calls for proposals.
