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Enhancing Armenia's Probation Service through targeted training

In an important effort to enhance the rehabilitation of probationers, Armenia recently hosted a specialised training of trainers from 20 to 22 August 2024, in Yerevan. This event brought together experts from the Probation Service and the Centre for Legal Education and Rehabilitative Programmes to enhance their knowledge and prepare them as future trainers.

The intensive training-of-trainers programme was designed by Council of Europe consultants to ensure a unified approach in reducing violent behaviour in Probation. Participants engaged in practical exercises, including role-plays and simulations, where they presented lesson plans and received constructive feedback from consultants and peers. The training concluded with additional simulations, in-depth discussions, and an evaluation, all underscoring the commitment of the participants to continuous improvement.

A key feature of the programme is the forthcoming pilot phase of the violent behaviour programme, set to roll out in Yerevan and at regional probation service offices. Its implementation will allow the trainees to put newly acquired skills into practice, thus advancing Armenia's mission to refine its Probation Service and foster positive change among probationers.

“This training has provided invaluable insights and practical tools that I can apply directly in my work,” said one of the participating probation officers. “The focus on reducing violent behaviour will significantly enhance my ability to engage with beneficiaries and support their transformation.”

This event is part of the Project “Strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia” and represents a major milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the Council of Europe and this country. Funded under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026, the project demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing probation services and effective rehabilitation practices.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA 20-22 AUGUST 2024
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 Start date: 1 January 2023

 Duration: 24 months

 Funding: EUR 500,000, onors contributing to the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026 

 Leaflet of the project

Partners: Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, Probation Service

Built 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 assisted national authorities in facilitating the use of probation services in the country, thus enhancing community safety and the fair administration of justice.

It was 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 accomplished the following outcomes:

  • The knowledge and skills of probation officers on probation methods, risks and needs assessment tool and rehabilitation programmes were 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 was enhanced;
  • The accessibility by offenders to effective rehabilitation/resocialisation programmes was enhanced;
  • E-probation system was 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).

Reference documents