From 22 to 25 November 2023, 36 prison personnel of Armenian Penitentiary institutions gathered in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia for intensive training sessions on the new resocialisation Risk and Needs Assessment (RNA) tool for convicts that they will later pilot. The training aimed to equip the staff with the skills necessary to apply the RNA tool to assess resocialisation needs of the convicts.

The RNA tool was developed with the support of Council of Europe consultants in close coordination with the Penitentiary Service and aims to improve the accuracy of risk assessment, understanding of the individual needs of prisoners and contribute to the development of effective resocialisation programmes. During the training, resocialisation committee members, social workers and psychologists from the piloting penitentiary institutions learned more about the relevant international standards, enhanced their interviewing techniques as well as practical skills required to assess the dynamic and static factors in the RNA and more.

Now that the participants are equipped with the necessary skills, they are expected to ensure smooth implementation of the RNA tool during the piloting stage in their respective institutions.

This event is part of the Council of Europe’s support within the framework of the Project “Strengthening the protection of the rights of persons in detention” that assists the national authorities to further enhance penitentiary reform, prison health care and the protection of human rights of persons deprived of liberty. The Project is financed within the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026 and implemented by the Council of Europe.