Armenia’s probation system is set for significant improvement following the development of a new, evidence-based framework for pre-release reports. This is an essential tool used to inform conditional-release decisions. The reform marks a significant milestone in reinforcing rehabilitation-focused justice and supporting safer reintegration of individuals returning to the community.

Between July and September 2025, a needs assessment was carried out to examine how pre-release reports are currently prepared and used. The review analysed the legal basis, report structure, risk-assessment methods, interview practices, confidentiality safeguards and inter-agency data exchange. It also drew on best European practices. The findings highlighted the need for stronger analytical content, better integration of protective factors, improved assessment of substance use and behavioral risks, streamlined reporting procedures and closer cooperation between probation and penitentiary services.

These results were validated during a multi-agency working group on 8 August 2025, where representatives of the Probation Service, the Penitentiary Service, the Ministry of Justice and Council of Europe experts agreed on the key directions for reform.

Building on this foundation, the assessment was translated into action. From October 2025 onward, experts developed a completely revised pre-release report template and practical guidelines designed to close the identified gaps. The new template introduces a clearer structure and a more comprehensive, standardised approach, covering behaviour during imprisonment, criminogenic factors, dynamic and static risk indicators, protective factors, victim-related considerations, reintegration prospects and a final assessment regarding suitability for conditional release.

The draft tools were presented and validated during a second working group on 10 December 2025, which brought together all relevant national institutions. Participants endorsed the framework and agreed on next steps for piloting and eventual institutional adoption.

With these advancements, Armenia now has a solid foundation for a modern, coherent and evidence-based pre-release reporting system - one that aligns with European standards and strengthens the fairness, reliability and consistency of conditional-release decisions.

The activity was organised under the auspice of the Council of Europe Project “Further Strengthening the Probation Service in Armenia” financed and implemented through the Council of Europe Action Plan Armenia (2023 – 2026).