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Description
Programme outcome the project contributes to: “Improved correctional services”.
The development of probation services, changes in the legislative framework, society and the sociodemographic profile of offenders poses the challenge to continuous improvement for probation officers. This includes improving training systems and concepts, evaluating existing diagnostic tools and the effectiveness of individual and group programs to ensure quality in their implementation.
The project aims at strengthening the implementation of alternative measures to deprivation of liberty by enhancement of probation officers’ qualifications updating diagnostic tool for assessing of probationers and introduction of new correctional programmes and interinstitutional cooperation.
The project shall include, inter alia, the following activities:
- Development of a concept and new curriculum for initial and further training for probation officers to enhance their professional competences;
- Reviewing and updating the assessment tool of offenders;
- Study on the possibility to introduce new alternative measures to imprisonment;
- Introduction of best practices and models of interinstitutional cooperation.
Summary of project results
One of the primary challenges the project sought to address was the limited effectiveness of probation measures as an alternative to imprisonment. The existing system required significant improvements to ensure offenders were properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into society. Without structured interventions, many probationers struggled to reform, increasing the risk of recidivism and undermining public safety. Another key issue was the lack of a structured training system for probation officers. The demands of modern correctional services were constantly evolving, requiring officers to develop new skills in offender management, risk assessment, and rehabilitation. However, there was no standardized system for continuous professional development. The project aimed to fill this gap by introducing new training curricula, professional standards, and a Code of Ethics to improve the competencies of probation staff. A further challenge was the outdated risk assessment tool used to evaluate offenders. Effective rehabilitation required a modernized diagnostic system that could provide a more accurate understanding of an offender’s risks and needs. The existing tool was inadequate, leading to inconsistencies in decision-making. The project addressed this by developing a new risk assessment system, supported by software to streamline its application in probation services. Another major limitation was the absence of structured public impact programs to support offender rehabilitation. While probation aimed to provide an alternative to incarceration, many probationers lacked access to specialized programs that could help them address behavioural issues and reintegrate into society. The project introduced two new rehabilitation programs inspired by Norwegian models—one focused on anger management for domestic violence offenders and another designed to improve motivation and behavioural change. The lack of interinstitutional cooperation between probation services, courts, law enforcement, and social services further hindered the efficiency of alternative measures. Without strong coordination, probation officers struggled to implement effective rehabilitation strategies. The project worked to strengthen collaboration through the development of multi-institutional agreements, improving the operation of Probation Boards and enhancing communication between stakeholders. Additionally, the project aimed to address gaps in legislation that limited the application of alternative sanctions. The legal framework required updates to ensure a broader and more effective use of probation as a sentencing option. By analyzing European best practices and proposing legislative amendments, the project sought to expand the range of alternative measures available within the justice system. Finally, public awareness and understanding of probation remained low, limiting support for its expansion as a viable alternative to imprisonment. Many stakeholders, including policymakers and the general public, lacked insight into the benefits of probation. To counter this, the project organized workshops, study visits, and awareness-raising initiatives to promote the advantages of probation, ensuring broader acceptance and support for ongoing reforms. By addressing these challenges, the project contributed to a more modern, effective, and humane probation system, ultimately improving the rehabilitation of offenders, enhancing the skills of probation officers, and fostering better cooperation between justice institutions.
To strengthen the implementation of alternative measures to imprisonment, the project undertook a comprehensive training initiative for probation officers. A new curriculum was developed to enhance their professional competencies, supported by an e-learning platform that ensured continuous learning opportunities. The training covered essential topics such as motivational interviewing, leadership, and team-building, equipping probation officers with the skills needed to manage offenders more effectively. A total of 165 probation officers benefited from this initiative, improving the overall capacity of the probation system. A significant focus of the project was the development and modernization of offender risk assessment tools. A new diagnostic system was introduced, designed to provide a more precise evaluation of offenders’ risks and rehabilitation needs. This tool was integrated into a dedicated software platform, ensuring a more standardized and objective approach to assessment. Training sessions were conducted for 256 probation officers to familiarize them with the new system, ensuring its effective implementation in daily probation work. To improve rehabilitation outcomes, the project introduced two structured public impact programs based on Norwegian correctional models. One program addressed anger management in domestic violence cases, helping offenders develop better coping mechanisms and reduce violent behaviours. The second program, “Motivator”, was designed to enhance offender engagement in rehabilitation efforts and foster positive behavioural change. These programs were successfully piloted, with 69 probation officers trained to implement them, ensuring their long-term sustainability. A critical aspect of the project was its focus on strengthening interinstitutional cooperation. Recognizing that effective probation services require collaboration between various agencies, the project developed multi-institutional agreements to enhance the operation of Probation Boards. These agreements facilitated better coordination between probation officers, courts, and social services, leading to more efficient rehabilitation strategies. Additionally, European best practices were reviewed, and workshops were conducted to share knowledge and experiences between professionals from different justice systems. The project also undertook a comprehensive review of the legislative framework governing alternative measures to imprisonment. A working group was established to analyze European legal practices and develop proposals for legislative amendments. These proposals aimed to expand the use of probation and other alternative sanctions, ensuring a more effective and flexible justice system. Expert meetings and study visits were organized to refine these proposals and engage key stakeholders in discussions about potential reforms. To promote transparency and awareness, the project ensured continuous dissemination of information through press releases, online platforms, and official reports. Conferences were held at the beginning and end of the project, providing opportunities to present progress, share findings, and discuss future directions. Despite facing initial delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project successfully achieved its objectives. The introduction of new training materials, risk assessment tools, and rehabilitation programs significantly improved the capacity of the probation system. Strong partnerships with Norwegian, Swedish, and British institutions facilitated valuable knowledge exchange and professional development. Ultimately, the project laid the groundwork for a more effective, fair, and sustainable approach to offender rehabilitation in Bulgaria.
The project significantly improved the skills and professional development of probation officers by introducing new training programs, curricula, and an e-learning platform. Over 165 probation officers were trained in motivational interviewing, leadership, and offender management, equipping them with the necessary tools to support rehabilitation efforts effectively. Additionally, 30 probation service managers received specialized training in leadership and team-building, strengthening the overall management of probation services. These improvements ensured that probation officers were better prepared to work with offenders and support their reintegration into society. By modernizing offender risk assessment, the project helped create a more structured and objective approach to evaluating probationers. The introduction of a new diagnostic tool and software platform improved decision-making processes, allowing probation officers to assess risks and needs more accurately. The training of 256 probation officers in using this tool ensured its successful implementation, contributing to a more efficient probation system that reduces the likelihood of recidivism. The introduction of two public impact programs provided probationers with structured rehabilitation opportunities. The anger management program addressed issues of violence in domestic settings, while the Motivator program encouraged positive behavioural changes. These programs were successfully piloted with offenders, demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting rehabilitation. A total of 69 probation officers were trained to facilitate these programs, ensuring their continued implementation beyond the project’s duration. Through enhanced interinstitutional cooperation, the project strengthened partnerships between probation services, courts, law enforcement agencies, and social services. The development of multi-institutional agreements improved communication and coordination, making probation services more effective in managing offenders. Study visits and workshops allowed Bulgarian professionals to learn from European best practices, further enhancing their expertise in probation management. The review and proposed amendments to the legislative framework supported the expansion of alternative measures to imprisonment. By analyzing European practices and engaging policymakers in discussions, the project laid the groundwork for future legislative reforms that will enable a more flexible and rehabilitative justice system. Raising public awareness was another key achievement. Through conferences, workshops, and media outreach, the project promoted the benefits of probation as an alternative to imprisonment. This increased understanding among stakeholders, including policymakers and the general public, ensuring broader support for probation reforms. Overall, the project modernized Bulgaria’s probation system, provided probation officers with better tools and training, improved rehabilitation opportunities for offenders, and strengthened cooperation between justice institutions. These results will have a lasting impact, contributing to lower recidivism rates, safer communities, and a more effective criminal justice system.
Summary of bilateral results
The project aimed to improve probation in Bulgaria by modernizing rehabilitation, enhancing risk assessment, strengthening cooperation, and raising public awareness. It introduced a new training curriculum for probation officers, equipping 165 officers with skills in offender management, motivational interviewing, and leadership. Additionally, 30 probation service managers received specialized leadership training, improving overall system management. To ensure better risk evaluation, the project developed a new diagnostic tool and software platform, allowing a more structured approach to assessing offenders. 256 probation officers were trained to use it, leading to more accurate decision-making and reduced recidivism. The project also introduced two rehabilitation programs based on Norwegian models—one focusing on anger management for domestic violence offenders and the other, the Motivator program, promoting behavioral change. These programs were piloted successfully, with 69 officers trained to implement them. Recognizing the need for stronger institutional cooperation, the project facilitated multi-institutional agreements to improve coordination between probation services, courts, law enforcement, and social services. Study visits and workshops allowed Bulgarian professionals to learn from European best practices, further strengthening the system. To expand alternative sanctions, the project conducted a legislative review, proposing amendments to align Bulgaria’s probation system with European standards. Additionally, conferences, workshops, and media campaigns raised public awareness, gaining broader support for probation. Ultimately, the project modernized Bulgaria’s probation system, improved offender rehabilitation, strengthened justice institutions, and contributed to safer communities, ensuring a more humane and effective alternative to imprisonment.