Strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia

Building upon the results achieved from the implementation of the Project “Support the scaling-up of the probation service in Armenia”, the Project “Strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia” financed by Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023 – 2026 assists national authorities in facilitating the use of probation services in the country, thus enhancing community safety and the fair administration of justice.
It is implemented in close cooperation and partnership with the Ministry of Justice and State Probation Service, as well as other national stakeholders, including civil society organisations active in are of probation.
The Project will focus on accomplishing the following outcomes:

The knowledge and skills of probation officers on probation methods, risks and needs assessment tool and rehabilitation programmes are enhanced thanks to effective and sustainable training centres and regular staff evaluation;
The co-operation among all actors of the criminal justice system on the basis of a shared understanding of new Probation service functions and respective roles and responsibilities is enhanced;
The accessibility by offenders to effective rehabilitation/resocialisation programmes is enhanced;
E-probation system is further updated and supported to become operational.

The key documents for this Project are Recommendation CM/Rec(2010)1 on the Council of Europe Probation Rules, Recommendation CM/Rec(2017)3 on the European Rules on community sanctions and measures, Recommendation CM/Rec(2014)4 on electronic monitoring, Rec. R (2003) 22 concerning conditional release, as well as the findings and the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) and the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
The duration of the Project was set at 24 months, and it was completed on 31 December 2024, with an overall budget of 500 000 Euros.

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Back Training-of-trainers for Probation Service specialists and legal educators in Armenia

Nino LAPACHI

Modified 2 Years ago.

@ Council of Europe

To strengthen further the rehabilitation work with probationers in Armenia, a specialised training was conducted from 23 to 25 May 2024 in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia. The training targeted specialists from both the Probation Service and the ”Centre for Legal Education and Rehabilitative Programmes”, aiming to elevate their expertise and proficiency to help them carry out their functions more effectively.

The training-of-trainers focused on fostering strong collaboration among trainers, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach to probation services. Specific sessions on developing interview skills were conducted, covering processes, active listening, and effective questioning techniques. The trainers were provided with the tools to engage effectively with probationers, fostering better communication and understanding. By means of presentations, discussions and practical exercises the participants explored relevant legal standards and prepared individual supervision plans, using risk-and-needs assessment tool for a comprehensive view of probationers' needs. This helped them improve their skills to draft reports aiding judicial decisions. The training programme also included role-playing exercises and case studies, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a simulated setting.

“The training provided valuable insights and practical tools that I can use in my daily work,” said a participating probation officer. “Learning about motivational interviewing will help me better engage with clients and support their positive change.”

The event represents an important milestone in the ongoing partnership between the Council of Europe and Armenia, as part of the joint efforts to enhance probation services within the framework of the Project “Strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia”. 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.

Tsaghkadzor, Armenia 23-25 May 2024