Introduction

As part of the EPTA II project, which is co-funded by the European Union’s Justice Programme, the EPTA network is organizing several cross-border trainings, where selected EPTA members hosted training for participants from other EPTA member organizations. To view all the three trainings click here. These are the following: Training #1 Restorative practice, Training #2 Hostage taking situations in penitentiary environment and Training #3 Specifics of working with young offenders.

Training #3: Specifics of working with young offenders

Host academy: Training Centre for the Prison Staff, Croatia

Location: Zagreb at Hotel International

Date: 3-5 October (excluding travel days)

Description & timetable:

The goal of the training is to raise awareness among prison officers about the specifics of working with young people in the prison system. After the training, participants received a better understanding of the development process of young people as well as behavioral disorders. The focus was also on understanding the reasons for establishing a quality relationship as a basis for working with young offenders. Good practices of communication skills and teamwork were exchanged among the participants. As part of the benefits of the training, a better insight into the importance of mental health and self-awareness were also addressed.

Please click here to download the preliminary training programme.

Registration & target group: In total, 16 participants were admitted for this training. Registration for participants were on a first-come-first-serve basis. However, the host academy reserved the right not to admit participants if not fitting the target group criteria or eligibility criteria of the project*. In addition, in order to stimulate a wide geographical spread of participants, only two participants were admitted per EPTA member organization. It was important that participants spoke very good English as the training was very interactive and required flowing conversation and discussion. Additional registrants were placed on a waiting list and admitted if spots remained open. After registration, people were informed about their status (admitted, waiting list, rejected).

The training is targeted at prison staff who work with young offenders in prison system, including uniformed and civilian staff (psychologists, social workers, special pedagogues, and other treatment staff in direct work).

Goal of the training: To raise awareness among prison staff about the specifics of working with young people in the prison system. After the training, participants will understand better the development process of young people as well as behavioral disorders. The focus will also be on understanding the reasons for establishing a quality relationship as a basis for working with young offenders. Good practices of communication skills and teamwork will be exchanged among the participants. As part of the benefits of the training, a better insight into the importance of mental health and self-awareness is expected.

To view the resources from this training event please click here.