N25.011-“Pathway to Reintegration, Employment, and Social Economy (PRESE-PRIS) Initiative” Integrative Center supporting Correctional Excellence Practice for Direct and Enhanced Adaptation into the Labour Market of persons in pre-release / post-release programs – A Regional Pact and Action Plan for Employment

Title: N25.011 – “Pathway to Reintegration, Employment, and Social Economy (PRESE-PRIS) Initiative” Integrative Center supporting Correctional Excellence Practice for Direct and Enhanced Adaptation into the Labour Market of persons in pre-release / post-release programs – A Regional Pact and Action Plan for Employment

Author: ANDRADA SAFTA

Company/Organisation name: CPIP-CENTER FOR PROMOTING LIFELONG LEARNING

Short biography:

Centrul pentru Promovarea Invatarii Permanente – CPIP (The Center for Promoting Lifelong Learning) is a non-governmental, non-profit institution active in the educational and social field from 2005, based in Timisoara, Romania. It promotes the culture of “lifelong learning” through the active involvement of community members in developing a coherent implementation strategy of the concept and practice of lifelong learning. CPIP develops national and international projects on various social and educational topics, working in multicultural contexts with partners from all-over Europe. We support initiatives and run programs and projects that aim at cooperating and innovating for good practices in the field of lifelong learning. This is done by taking part at diverse European initiatives and then mainstreaming in the regional activities the developed products and results.

Short project summary
Expand and enhance Centers of Vocational Correctional Excellence (CoVEs) dedicated to professionalization of practitioners working with the correctional system (inside and outside of prisons) in direct contact with the prisoners, employers, employment agencies, training providers, economic sector and social support systems, ensuring effective support for the employability and safe transition of individuals exiting prison and probation.

Main Aim of the proposed project
– Enhanced skills and professionalization of correctional practitioners aligned with labor market demands.
– Improved employability and successful reintegration of individuals exiting prison and probation, supported by up-to-date training and support services.
– Increased collaboration and coordination among stakeholders within the correctional system and across sectors, informed by labor market data.
– Reduction in recidivism rates and societal impact of reoffending through proactive labor market integration strategies.
– Establishment of sustainable CoVEs as hubs for ongoing support and innovation in prisoner reintegration, with a focus on addressing emerging labor market needs.
– Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration between correctional professionals, social economy practitioners, and other stakeholders to exchange expertise, identify synergies, and promote the mainstreaming of social economy approaches within reintegration programs.

Expected results – output of the proposed project
Key Components:
WP 2 SYSTEMIC Competence and Labor Market Observatory; Cross-Setor Collaboration and Regional Pact Development:
– Establish an observatory dedicated to monitoring and forecasting labor market needs and trends, specifically focusing on the competencies required for successful integration and adaptation of individuals leaving the justice system.
– Develop mechanisms for continuous updating of training programs and support services based on observed labor market demands, focused on the specificity of the learners within prisons.
– Forge partnerships with stakeholders from various sectors, including education providers, employers, social services, and justice agencies.
– Establish regional pacts for employment to coordinate efforts and resources for supporting prisoner reintegration and workforce participation, informed by labor market data.
– Elaborate yearly Regional Action Plan for Education and Employment together with economic agents and education providers

Focus on social economy:
– Incorporate research and analysis within the labor market observatory to identify trends and opportunities in the social economy sector, such as community-based enterprises, cooperatives, and social enterprises.
– Develop partnerships with social economy organizations and networks to understand the specific competencies required for success in this sector and to explore potential employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for individuals leaving the justice system.
– Include social economy stakeholders in the development of regional pacts for employment to ensure that strategies for prisoner reintegration encompass opportunities within this sector.
– Highlight social economy initiatives and success stories in the yearly Regional Action Plan for Education and Employment, emphasizing their potential for supporting sustainable reintegration and community development.

WP 3 VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR LABOUR MARKET ACTORS Development of Practitioner Training Program, Professionalization and Recognition, Continuous Professional Development for employers of prisons, probation, employment agencies, human resources of economic actors and educators from education providers delivering in correctional settings.:
– Design a practitioner training program tailored to the evolving needs of the labor market and the specific challenges faced by individuals leaving the justice system.
– Incorporate modules focusing on vocational skills, soft skills, trauma-informed care, and career guidance mechanisms, informed by the observatory’s findings.
– Implement mechanisms to recognize and validate the skills and experience of correctional practitioners, enhancing their professional status within the field.
– Establish accreditation standards and certification processes to ensure high-quality service provision aligned with labor market requirements.
– Offer ongoing professional training and development opportunities to correctional practitioners to keep them updated on labor market trends, best practices, and emerging skills requirements.
– Utilize the observatory’s data to inform training content and delivery methods, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to evolving labor market needs.

Focus on social economy:
– Integrate modules within the practitioner training program that focus on social economy principles, including cooperative management, community development, ethical business practices, and social impact assessment.
– Offer specialized training and resources on social entrepreneurship and sustainable business models for employers of prisons, probation, and other stakeholders involved in reintegration efforts.
– Establish recognition and accreditation mechanisms for practitioners who demonstrate proficiency in promoting social economy initiatives and supporting individuals in accessing opportunities within this sector.
– Provide continuous professional development opportunities that explore innovative approaches to social economy integration and highlight best practices from across the region.

WP4 VOCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR FUTURE EMPLOYEES Employability and Transition Support:
– Provide training and resources to support practitioners in developing strategies for enhancing the employability of individuals exiting prison and probation, based on the latest labor market insights.
– Focus on skills development, career guidance, and networking opportunities to facilitate successful transitions into the labor market.
– Set up programs for persons in pre-release / post-release period for digital (re)adaptation, enhancing of life competencies and support to adapt for eWallet, accumulating micro-credentials and understanding of individual learning accounts
– Run programs for recognition of prior learning, identification of competencies, career and labour market orientation, by trained professionals from the WP2

Focus on social economy:
– Develop training programs that incorporate social economy competencies alongside traditional vocational skills, emphasizing the value of community engagement, sustainable practices, and social impact.
– Facilitate partnerships between CoVEs and social economy enterprises to offer hands-on training, internships, or apprenticeships for individuals in pre-release/post-release programs, providing practical experience and networking opportunities.
– Offer resources and support for individuals interested in pursuing social entrepreneurship or employment within the social economy sector, including assistance with business planning, access to financing, and mentorship.
– Promote the development of digital literacy and eWallet management skills within the context of social economy initiatives, empowering individuals to participate in alternative economic models and community-based networks.

Project field of implementation
Adult Education

Project type
KA2 – Cooperation among organisations and institutions: Partnerships for Excellence

The end users/beneficiary:
practitioners working with the correctional system (inside and outside of prisons) in direct contact with the prisoners, employers, employment agencies, training providers, economic sector and social support systems

Implementation area:
Social Inclusion and Equal Opportunities, Social Economy

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Core Partner(s)