The Probation Service of Armenia with the support of the Council of Europe, finalised  a comprehensive review and launched a  new Programme on Substance Use Rehabilitation.

The final session brought together trained probation officers, penitentiary psychologists, and representatives from the “Centre for Legal Education and Rehabilitative Programmes” to review the pilot evaluation results, master updated intervention tools, and prepare for nationwide implementation across Armenia’s probation offices and penitentiary institutions.

This concluded  an extensive, multi-stage initiative aimed at introducing structured, evidence-based rehabilitation interventions grounded in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. This initiative started  in April 2025 and was piloted in both prison and probation institutions,   supported by continuous professional supervision. The Council of Europe contributed to the development and improvement of the programme by adapting its content, tools, and methodologies to the needs of probation staff and context of its implementation.

With the Probation Service’s ongoing formal commitment and designated focal points overseeing its roll-out, the refined programme will support the reintegration of individuals with substance use-related needs while enhancing the quality and scope of rehabilitation services provided by the Service.

This initiative is carried out under the Project “Further Strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia”, funded through the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023–2026. By expanding evidence-based offender rehabilitation, the Council of Europe supports Armenia’s strategic efforts to reduce reoffending, enhance non-custodial alternatives, and ensure safer communities.