In March and April 2025, two important events were held within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Towards More Humane Conditions of Detention and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS), focusing on the development of a new rehabilitation programme for people serving life sentences.
On 11 March 2025, a needs assessment meeting (focus group) was held with psychologists from penitentiary institutions who work directly with life-sentenced prisoners. The purpose of this meeting was to identify the key needs of this group and explore the specific challenges involved in providing psychological support to them.
On 4 April 2025, Dr Sarah Lewis, international expert of the Council of Europe, Director of Penal Reform Solutions and Grow Transform Belong CIC, and PhD in the field of professional relationships in prisons, presented the outline of the correctional programme “Pathways to Hope”. This is an 8-module, strengths-based rehabilitation programme aimed at supporting rehabilitation, personal growth, emotional regulation, and preparation for eventual reintegration into society.
The “Pathways to Hope” programme is tailored to both men and women serving life sentences, recognising the gender-specific barriers to rehabilitation, such as stigma, trauma, and loss of social ties. The programme introduces a trauma-informed, human-centred, and future-oriented approach, aligned with the Council of Europe standards and international best practices. It also incorporates optional modules, peer mentorship opportunities, and a final project led by participants to foster engagement and social learning.
The programme’s launch is particularly timely in light of Ukraine’s 2022 legislative amendments, which introduced a mechanism for reviewing life sentences and the potential for sentence commutation. This programme contributes to creating a realistic prospect of release and social reintegration for eligible prisoners.
The further development of the programme is based on Council of Europe standards and a human rights-based approach. It takes into account the specific barriers faced by life-sentenced prisoners – including stigmatisation, isolation, traumatic experiences, loss of social ties, and more.
The DECOPRIS Project will continue to support the development of the programme and its pilot implementation in selected penitentiary institutions.
The Council of Europe project “Towards More Humane Conditions of Detention and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS) is implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” (2023–2026). DECOPRIS aims to enhance the protection of prisoners’ rights by improving prison management practices and advancing rehabilitation efforts.
