Enhancing probation services in Kosovo*: training probation officers on rehabilitation, and reintegration and preparation for release
The Council of Europe continues to assist the Kosovo Probation Service in strengthening its capacities related to managing violent extremist offenders (VEOs). On 11-12 December, 19 probation officers representing four (out of seven) Regional Directorates gathered for a cascade training aimed at strengthening their capacity to support VEOs transition back into society. Probation services play a significant role in supervising individuals upon early or conditional release, and this initiative focused on equipping them with the skills needed to address cases involving VEOs and offenders vulnerable to radicalisation. During the two days of peer-to-peer training the participants gained an enhanced understanding of the programme of rehabilitation and preparation for release as well as of post-release support methodology, including best approaches for reintegrating this category of offenders back into society, and their monitoring. In addition, they were introduced to the Screening and Risk Assessment Tools, and their application for identifying and addressing radicalisation risks, tailored specifically for violent extremist prisoners. By strengthening probation officers' skills, the Council of Europe aims to ensure that they are well-prepared to contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, while ensuring the safety and security of the wider community. This event, was organised under the auspices of the regional action on “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release”, part of EU and Council of Europe joint programme Horizontal Facility III, which is enabling the Beneficiaries to meet their reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law and democracy and to comply with European standards, which is also a priority for the EU enlargement process.
