Project Summary
The aim of the project is to foster and enhance the involvement of 14-29-year-olds with an offending background in society, support their independent living, and assist them in entering and remaining in education and the labor market.
Activities are implemented in four main areas:
1. Supporting independence and law-abiding behavior in the community;
2. Assistance in entering the labor market;
3. Support for reintegration into society within the prison service;
4. Development of the criminal justice system.
The project activities are carried out in cooperation with partner institutions – the Prosecutor’s Office, the Police and Border Guard Board, the Supreme Court, the Social Insurance Board, and the Probation Supervision Department.
In addition, research and analyses will be conducted to determine the most suitable and effective support methods for young people and their impact. A comprehensive impact study will be commissioned in 2026 to provide an overview of the effectiveness of the activities.
To support young people´s independence and law-abiding behavior, we will provide them a mentor, as well, as access to a half-way house.
These opportunities are mainly focused on those who are being released from prison or whose sentence has been suspended, as but also those who are:
- In custody or have recently been released;
- On probation;
- Accused or being investigated in pre-trial proceedings;
- Assigned alternative sentence instead of imprisonment or measures suitable for minors or young adults;
- In a closed juvenile institution or have just excited one;
- Repeatedly committing minor offenses and assigned corrective measures or obligations.
The role of mentor is to guide and assist youngsters in rebulding their lives and managing daily challenges, ultimately reducing the risk of reoffending.
If a young person is serving a prison sentence, the mentor will start meeting with them up to six months before their release, with support continuing in the community afterwards. During their time in prison, the emphasis will be on assessing the young person´s needs and preparing them for reintegration, while post-release activities will focus on helping them adjust to their new environment.
The duration of the service is up to 18 months, and participation is voluntary. It is provided by the Omanäolise Kooli Arenduskeskus at [email protected].
The aim of the half-way house service is to provide temporary housing for young people aged 18-29 who need a safe environment to get their lives back on track.
The half-way house is not just a place for temporary residence; the staff offers supportive activities and counseling to help the young person create and follow an action plan for education or employment.
If needed, young individuals can also receive debt advice and psychological support. The service has a structured daily schedule that the young person is expected to follow.
The activities aim to teach self-discipline and skills for daily life while fostering habits and values related to personal hygiene, building safe relationships, maintaining mental health, and abstaining from substance use.
The counseling and half-way house service is voluntary and free of charge for young people. However, participation requires motivation and a willingness to address their problems while choosing a law-abiding path. Young individuals can stay in the half-way house for up to 18 months.
The half-way house service is provided by the non-profit organization Village of Hope and can be contacted at [email protected]
Outcome indicators for evaluating the impact of activities in 2029:
- 70% of the young people supported by interventions have entered the labor market;
- The rate of reoffending rate for young people under criminal supervision who received support is 21% or lower;
- The rate of reoffending for young people released from prison after receiving support is 33% or lower.
The project budget is €9,512,470, of which €6,658,729 is funded by the European Social Fund+ and €2,853,741 is provided as national co-financing.
The implementation of the project is co-financed by the European Social Fund+ in accordance with the conditions for granting support outlined in the order No. 46 issued by the Minister of Justice on June 8, 2023, titled "Reducing Recidivism Among Young Offenders" (2021-2027.4.07.23-0009).
Contacts
Stanislav Solodov (Team leader)
[email protected]
5309 8229
Peter Gornischeff (Project manager)
[email protected]
524 8261
Terje Smitt (Project manager)
[email protected]
529 3080
Reelika Rattus (Project manager)
[email protected]
Joelle Marcelle Antson (Restorative justice project manager)
[email protected]
5347 2800
Elis Maria Oldekop (Communications adviser)
[email protected]
528 8775
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Last updated: 11.04.2025