“Setting up an eco-reintegration mechanism for inmates”

Inspired by the renowned Bastøy Prison in Norway, the project entitled “Setting up an eco-reintegration mechanism for inmates” was the starting point for the Romanian authorities to establish the first ecological human prison. The Correctional Services in the South Region were the Norwegian partner in this project and offered advice and good practices to the authorities in the Romanian penitentiaries as concerns the establishment and the management of an ecological prison.

Considering the high rate of unemployment of inmates after their release, caused also by limited education and/or qualifications preventing them from accessing a job, and thus representing a high risk of relapsing, the National Administration of Penitentiaries promoted this project as a means of addressing this problem, by providing trainings aiming at qualifying detainees in traditional crafts and by raising awareness on their situation, with a view to increase their chances on the labour market after completing their time in prison. The objective of the project was fully achieved, consisting in strengthening the capacity of the penitentiary system to facilitate the reintegration process of the ex-inmates, by improving their competences through trainings in eco-construction and traditional crafts, as well as by raising the public awareness on the importance of society’s involvement in ensuring the reintegration of ex-inmates.

The project entitled “Setting up an eco-reintegration mechanism for inmates” was financed under Programme RO23 - "Correctional services, including non-custodial sanctions",  EEA and Norwegian Grants 2009-2014. For more information, see  eeagrants.org/News/2016/Establishing-a-more-humane-prison#story or norwaygrants.anp.gov.ro/despre-proiect-delta.