"<< Background >>PROBATIONET project background derived from the Probation itself as a penal procedure globally applied and its complex context of case management in which Governmental Institutions and NGOs with their office workers and operators are involved. Probation first developed in the United States in 1841, since then in the World and Europe the national judicial systems applied it according to their own criminal laws but based on the same principle: a period of supervision over an offender, ordered by the court instead of serving time in prison. Prisons services have their own in-service education and training curricula, which correspond to the role and tasks of the different categories and to the aim and purpose of their work. Ideally, they should have their own training facilities but currently there is a lack of resources in most of Member States. In 2019 the European Committee on Crime Problems (CDPC) completed the roadmap started in 2010 adopting the “guidelines regarding training and professional development of prison and probation staff”. These guidelines encourage Member States to put in place opportunities probation staff training and inter-agency and interdisciplinary work. << Objectives >>PROBATIONET in this framework aimed to develop an innovative training model able to respond to the education and training needs of officers and workers involved in the probation process with a flexible and multidisciplinary approach as requested by each national Probation case management system. Particular attention was given to reconciliation and victim-offender mediation issues. Against the inhomogeneity of application at national level all European probation caseworks can be fitted into one of these 4 “domains” 1: Pre-Trial Provisions; 2: Non-Custodial Options; 3: Immediate Custody and 4: Early Release/Supervised Release. The PROBATIONET integrated training model applied to a common casework has given particular attention to the low-skilled professionals by increasing quality, supply and accessibility of continuing VET, validation of non-formal and informal learning, and promoting work-place learning. The PROBATIONET training model promoted the SENTITIVITY GROUP as a particularly effective psychosocial training methodology to treat groups with strong emotional involvement. Moreover, PROBATIONET represented a scheme for developing partnerships between SME VET providers, HEIs and Probation Justice Departments. << Implementation >> PROBATIONET’s three main activities were grouped as follows: 1: preparation of Training model design for ""setting goals”; 2: implementation of blended training courses at European and national level (3 cycles of dynamic events + face-to-face and e-learning modules in Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Bulgaria); 3: validation and dissemination. The work plan was conceived taking care of the whole PROBATIONET design and methodology applied and maximizing the mobility resources available: 4 Project Meetings (PM) were planned to account what has been realized during the previous phase and to confirm what will be done in the next step: PM Kick Off - Greece online and physical in Italy; Short term joint staff - Training of Trainers (ToT) in Bulgaria C4 (online), Pilot Training PM (milestone for the launch of testing phase of national pilot trainings), concurrently with C1 (first Dynamic Event Italy), mid-term PM (milestone for monitoring and midterm evaluation of project and national pilot trainings), concurrently with C2 (second Dynamic Event Greece), R. validation PM (milestone for validating the intellectual outcomes / project results), concurrently with C3 (third Dynamic Event - Portugal) The PROBATIONET implementation strategy and its work packages organization were as follows:1. Define a probation framework at European level case management, select best practices from test countries (Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Bulgaria). R.1 Design an innovative curricula PROBATIONET “design and development”, development of R.2 to enable Country Partners to customize the PROBATIONET Curricula for the testing phase at national level. 2. Prepare key persons involved in the training activity and prepare the national teams (C4) Training the Trainers, experts, coaches, other professional profiles dedicated etc. 3. Beside the PROB-T e-learning platform (R.3) has been structured to support the training pathways. 4. The training Activities operated as 3 pivotal dynamic events (C1, C2, C3) during the national implementation project work and in-service phase. Trainees attending the dynamic events were a blend composition: Staff trainers/Coaches and representative of VET learners’ teams chosen for acting as group leaders and applying coaching themselves in the sensitivity training at national level. 5. Implementation and testing the planned Rs: The E-course on Restorative Justice and recidivism (PR.4) and Probation Case Management Practitioners training Curricula (PR.5) as first validated Courses of PROBATIONET model using the PR.2 “design and development” validating itself as well. 6. Validate all Rs at the end of testing phase and promote them at National level (Multiplier Events) for deploying the local National training courses. 7. Disseminate at European Level through VET Providers and HEIs networks starting from the Final conference in Athens, Greece.<< Results >>PROBATIONET expected main results and outcomes were as follows: - Innovative training model “design and development curricula” to enable VET providers and Organization to implement curricula course in favour of all professionals (VET learners of the project) involved in the Probation process: probation officers, staff of government departments, social workers, psychologies/mediators, prison staff (according the ESCO occupation identified and linked with the Probation case management); - Innovative tools through mutual learning in the field of Probation based on techniques of reconciliation with the victim. - Early Release/Supervised Release casework approach based on the analysis of the basic skills to renter in the labour market and on orientation towards any other educational sectors and / or employment opportunities. A PROBATIONET outcome expected was the implementation of a professional dialog platform of practitioners about a European Area of criminal procedure and victimology cooperation in favour of both the offenders and victims’ rights. PROBATIONET results were also the activities implemented during the project (24 month duration) during the phases of the project in Italy, Portugal, Bulgaria and Greece with the support of their Ministries of Justice: - Project management and coordination; - Technical support and collaborative working system, as well as training technology support; - Follow-up and internal assessment (Quality Plan, QPLN); - The Communication-Dissemination (CDAP) and the Valorisation-Exploitation of results (VEAP). The 10 results (R) according the three phases structure were as follows: - Ph1: Build the project environment and conceive the model: 1. Updating-completing info related to specificities and existing (e.g., info about training systems that could support the project training phases; - Updating - completing the elements related to job environment 2. Update of the Case Management map in Probation System at European and National level (R.1). 3. Short-term joint staff C.4 (Partner’s trainers, coaches, and experts) to design and develop new training modules for Probation Officers and professionals including the psychosocial aspects and the theme of burnout and resilience both for the workers and the offenders. 4 Five multiplier events in Italy, Portugal, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey to disseminate the training pilot course at National levels (in order to involve the Organizations of potential VET learners). 5 Conceiving the PROBATIONET “design and development training Curricula” (R.2) - Ph 2: testing and validation phase 6. On the basis of R.2 methodology Partners responsible customized and implemented the 4 training blended courses (face-to-face and E-learning modality). During the 12-month duration of training the VET learners from partner organisations worked together through the PRO-T platform both with ICT tools, such as social media, video conferencing, live streaming provided carrying out individual project work and face-to-face classroom by applying PROBATIONET training approach (3 Dynamic events at international level organised as C1, C2, and C3). 7. PROB-T Web platform for e-learning and webinar modules assured to the VET learners in-service training during the 1-year course and follow up to face-to-face training activity (R.3). 8. Testing the e- learning curricula Restorative Justice and Recidivism through the PROB-T (R.4) 9 Testing the curricula training scheme for Practitioners in Probation case management during the implementation of individual project work (R.5). - Ph 3: Validation and Dissemination phase 6. 10. Validation of all Intellectual out puts releasing the final version through the R.6 Repository toolkit for the Final conference EU level event in Athens, Greece to disseminate as much as possible the results at European Level."

<< Background >>The RECOMMIT project was developed to address the significant challenges pre-release detainees face in reintegrating into the workforce and society. Many detainees struggle to secure and maintain employment due to stigma, limited formal education, and conflict-driven communication styles that hinder workplace adaptation. Social reintegration is a key European priority, as reoffending carries both high financial costs and negative societal impacts. The project focused on equipping detainees with essential interpersonal communication skills (ICS) within workplace settings, fostering prosocial values, and reinforcing civic engagement. To overcome traditional educational barriers, RECOMMIT utilized an innovative blended learning approach, integrating classroom-based instruction with immersive virtual reality (VR) training. This method enables detainees to practice workplace interactions in a safe and controlled environment, improving their ability to navigate professional relationships and support their long-term reintegration into society.<< Objectives >>The project aimed to develop a comprehensive blended learning curriculum that combines classroom and VR-based training to enhance detainees’ ICS skills and civic values in a workplace context. The curriculum focused on 3 key types of workplace interactions: communication with clients, collaboration with colleagues, and interactions with managers. The methodology is designed to be practical, emotional, and relational, emphasizing real-life work-related scenarios that detainees are likely to encounter. By improving detainees’ listening skills, prosocial responding, conflict resolution, and problem-solving abilities, the project seeks to increase their post-release confidence, occupational well-being, and overall ability to engage in productive employment. Additionally, the project aimed to empower prison staff by training them in effective communication strategies to foster a more supportive learning environment. Through these efforts, RECOMMIT sets the foundation for detainees, prisons, and communities to utilize workplace relationships as a tool for successful reintegration and crime prevention.<< Implementation >>The project designed and delivered a high-quality ICS curriculum that integrates traditional learning methods with VR-enhanced experiential training. The curriculum was developed based on research into work-related interpersonal challenges that pre-release detainees commonly face. The VR platform served as an immersive training ground, allowing detainees to engage in realistic workplace scenarios where they can practice communication skills such as active and empathic listening, managing conflicts, and establishing healthy interpersonal boundaries. To ensure effective implementation, a train-the-trainer event was conducted, equipping partner organizations with the skills needed to integrate VR technology into instructional methods. Additionally, a specialized prison staff training program introduced key personnel to digital learning environments, helping them support detainees in applying their newly acquired communication skills. A pilot phase was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the blended curriculum, in which prerelease prison inmates across all participating countries completed a 10-module, 20-session instructional program. << Results >>The project successfully developed a VR-enhanced ICS curriculum consisting of 10 modules (20 sessions), complemented by a facilitator manual and handouts, specifically designed to support detainees in their workplace reintegration.The VR platform provided an engaging, self-paced learning environment where participants could practice their communication skills. The piloting of the curriculum demonstrated an increase in detainees’ confidence, knowledge, and competence in handling workplace interactions, fostering prosocial behavior and reducing the risk of reoffending. Prison staff training contributed to a more supportive rehabilitation process by enhancing their understanding of effective communication strategies. Additionally, the project’s dissemination activities played a crucial role in reducing stigma around former detainees, engaging policymakers, community stakeholders, and employers in discussions on how to support ex-detainees in securing employment and reintegrating into society. The project’s impact is expected to extend beyond its initial implementation, providing a sustainable educational framework for detainees’ rehabilitation and long-term success.

The concepts of 'prison' and 'work', framed in the broader notion of employability, play an important role in imagining and designing more inclusive societies.European prison population currently amounts to almost half a million male prisoners and around 30.000 female prisoners, most of which come from disadvantaged backgrounds (disrupted families, migrant origin, extreme poverty, unemployment, weak social networks) and have experienced troubled educational paths. The re-offending European average is 75%.Involved Countries (Italy, Greece, Cyprus and the Netherlands) experience some differences (e.g. number of prison population, availability of educational programmes, reoffending rates) but share some common challenges and experiences:- Social and educational disadvantage of prison population- Weak measures to ease ex-convicts’ transition back to civilian life (in particular in CY, IT, GR)- A lack of alignment between internal inmates working experience and external working careers- A lack of comprehensive strategies fostering employability for convicts/ex-convicts- Lack of specific tools to advocate for the relevance of policies promoting education, employability and support for social reintegration of convicts- Lack of evaluation tools to assess the usefulness and impact of education policies showing for the overall society- Ongoing successful piloting experiences that provide employment guidance and training opportunities to convicts- A need for a continuous update for practitioners working directly with convicts to promote their social re-integration.CUP partnership is made by a mix of various organizations (Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, 6 prison administrations –1 in IT; 1 in NL; 1 in CY as full partners and 3 GR institution as associated partners through MINISTRY OF JUSTICE -GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF CRIME AND PENITENTIARY POLICY; a third sector organization (Casa di Carità), NGO (Human Rights360) a public organization (EPANODOS) and a Sme (TIRANTES) working on training opportunities for convicts; the European University of Cyprus, school of Humanities Social and Education Sciences; Fondazione Zancan, expert in evaluation practices) and external partners (Bureau Nazorg Dutch local authority for ex-convicts reintegration and Estabelecimento Prisional de Leiria Prison in Portugal).CUP has a threefold aim:1.to design successful training modules (e.g. modules based on technical skills as a mean of embedded learning for soft and basic skills) aimed at enhancing convicts/ex convicts potential for medium-long term employability. Specific focus will be devoted to soft skills, identified by employers as a core selection criteria when hiring. The strong involvement of administrators and practitioners working with prison population will be key to allow for short term and long term impact.2.CUP will promote an overall culture of evaluation: since not all countries can rely on strong tools to understand the true impact of the programmes designed to promote convicts/ex-convicts employability and social reintegration, CUP aims at offering an evaluation kit (easy-to-use, scalar) that prison administration and third sector organizations can use to measure the progress and the impact of actions promoting primary target employability. The design of the evaluation tool will allow replicability of its main features beyond the partnership borders.3.given the relevance of various concepts such as: education in prison, employability training, evidence based policy design, evaluation in prison contexts, the need to counteract stigma that contribute in creating an hostile environment for social reintegration of convicts, CUP partnership is committed to develop a “Call to Action strategy” targeting policy makers and stakeholders to advocate for such concepts.Two are the main target groups of CUP project:PRIMARY TARGET (male, female, young convicts and ex-convicts close to end sentence or on alternative measures):WOMEN: up to 70 (up to 40 coming from Turin Prison in Italy and 30 coming from Eleonas (Thiva) Prison in GreeceMEN: around 120 convicts/ex convicts aged 18 to 55 (20 in NL coming from PI Vught +40 in CY coming from Nicosia Prison +60 in GR coming from Chalkida Prison)YOUNGSTERS: 20 young adults up to 18 years old coming from Avlonas Prison in GreeceSECONDARY TARGET:A broad range of social professionals (i.e. educators, service managers, case managers) working to provide training for convicts/exconvicts and facilitate their work and social reintegration into society. CUP will directly involve around 10 prison practitioners from each Country and expects to involve indirectly around 20 more practitioners per Country.