To support the reintegration process of people subject to detention or other alternative justice measures to prison, it is necessary not only to provide technical knowledge but above all to work on soft skills, which contribute to their individual needs and are relevant to all employment sectors. Transversal skills are in fact essential to obtaining and maintaining employment, as they are behavioural in nature and include factors such as attitude, work ethic and communication skills. Maximising training and support on reintegration guidance ensures greater opportunities to improve one's transversal skills and develop effective job search techniques.

As stated in the Prisons in Europe 2019 Report, major studies on prisons show that prisoners involved in correctional education and training programmes have a lower recidivism rate than those who do not participate. The overall impact of maximising employment opportunities for prisoners, if exploited, will be a decrease in the overall recidivism rate. The same research states that participants in educational programs are more likely to be employed after release and to have higher earnings than non-participants. Those who receive training or education during their time in the justice system are more likely to find meaningful real-world employment and are less likely to reoffend after release than those who do not have an educational experience.

PROTA - through the training of staff, detainees and people in the justice system - aims to build the capacity of former prisoners to transform their lives after detention and to support their reintegration into society (UONDC 2018).

Activities

The PROTA project includes two main actions:

PROTA: Establishing Needs & Developing Training Tools. Survey and comparison at European level on training needs and on the functioning of the different rehabilitation and reintegration systems of people in prison or in the care of justice services. The objective of the action is to create a reference framework for the strengthening of soft skills, on the basis of which two tools will be developed: 1) ‘PROTA Decision Making Tool’ for assessment and career guidance; 2) ‘PROTA VR Game for development of soft skills’ for the simulation of some scenarios (for example: job interview or clash with the team).

PROTA: Curriculum & Training Material. Development of an e-learning platform (containing different training modules) intended for staff working with people in the justice system or other vulnerable groups. The platform will contain work tools and training materials developed by the project, useful for promoting career guidance activities and the strengthening of soft skills.

This action includes a European training aimed at prison and justice service staff and educators to test and share the training tools and the platform.

Progetto nr. 2022-1-RO01-KA220-ADU- 000090209.