On 18 September, the sub-grant project “Strengthening Sustainable Financing and Effective Commissioning of Rehabilitative Services in the Prison and Probation Sectors” was summarized.

The main results of the program, the developed recommendations and the opportunities for delegating services to civil society organizations in the sector were presented during the event,

Mr. Artak Kirakosyan, Director of the “Civil Society Institute” NGO delivered an opening speech.

Ms Syuzanna Soghomonyan, representative of the “Armenian Lawyers Association” NGO and the “Budgets for Citizens” program, delivered the welcoming speech, presenting the importance and results of the work implemented within the framework of the “Budgets for Citizens” program.

The representative of the Ministry of Justice of the RA presented the measures envisaged by the five-year program of the RA Government in the justice sector, including the proposal for delegating the services to the public sector.

Representatives of the penitentiary and probation services presented the priority areas of the sectors and opportunities for cooperation with non-governmental organizations.

Ms Gayane Hovakimyan, President of the “Social Justice” NGO, presented the package of proposals developed within the framework of the project. Key priority areas, which were identified, include mental health support and behavioral correction services for incarcerated individuals, pre- and post-release support, and social skills development programs.

Representatives of civil society organizations participating in the event presented their proposals and approaches to addressing existing challenges in this area, emphasizing the importance of the professional capacity of civil society.

Following the concluding discussion, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and the implementation of future initiatives, including piloting new services and adapting programs to local needs in Yerevan and the regions.

This event is implemented with the financial support of the European Union within the framework of a sub-grant provided under the “Budgets for Citizens” action implemented by the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, in cooperation with partners “Economic Development and Research Center” (EDRC) NGO and “Agora Central Europe” NGO (Czech Republic). It has been implemented by the “Civil Society Institute” Non-Governmental Organization within the framework of “Strengthening Sustainable Financing and Effective Commissioning of Rehabilitative Services in the Prison and Probation Sectors” project.

The content is the sole responsibility of the “Civil Society Institute” NGO and it does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.