Non fOrmal Innovative tools to foster life Skills of juvenilE prisoners

Background We applied for the NOISE project to support young offenders involvement in the societal participation process, prevent their disengagement, and help them develop the necessary attitudes, skills, and knowledge for full integration into the society. The project addressed the lack of post-sentence protocols and coaching, aiming to reduce the quick return to criminal behavior among youth. Given the needs analysis shared by all partners and in line with the same outcomes both at national and EU level, NOISE partners agreed to focus the intervention of the exchange of best practices in the field of life skills development for young offenders, and thus the correspondent tailored training resources for professionals working with this specific target group. Objectives NOISE aimed to achieve the following objectives: To enhance collaboration among organizations in different European countries on preventing recidivism among young offenders by adopting improved intervention models based on non-formal strategies. To facilitate and strengthen the social and labor insertion of young offenders, thereby promoting social inclusion, employability, and intercultural dialogue within the juvenile prison environment. To increase the use of non-formal methods and tools for young offenders, thereby maximizing the positive societal impacts of such measures. Specific Objectives: To exchange best practices in professional youth work to prevent recidivism and aid the social reintegration of juvenile offenders by fostering their life skills development. To provide training for at least 25 youth workers, social workers, or prison officers at an international level, and 40 at a national level in each partner country, based on the best practices shared. To empower young offenders to overcome barriers to full inclusion by developing crucial life skills, particularly initiative, self-awareness, and interpersonal relationship management. Implementation To achieve the objectives, the NOISE project was structured in a program comprising different work phases. The initial phase, focusing on project management, quality assurance, and risk management ensured the initiative's overarching structure and success. WP2 took center stage, emphasizing international staff training and local needs analysis. This involved organizing four joint training events to foster an exchange of best practices and address specific local requirements, enhancing the skills and knowledge base of all involved. The project progressed into the next phase where partners focused on collating the best practices identified during training. This effort culminated in the creation of the NOISE Toolkit, a comprehensive collection of resources aimed at sustaining the project's impact beyond its direct lifespan. Educators and staff in juvenile prisons began integrating and testing the NOISE Toolkit, directly impacting young offenders by providing them with valuable life skills and promoting their social reintegration. Achievements At the end of activities, we reached results as the following: - NOISE Toolkit, a collection of best practices shared, learnt and experienced during the joint staff training events, regarding non-formal methods, tools and activities aimed at reducing reoffence in young prisoners under 18 age via the development of their life skills; -At least 65 youth/social workers/prison officers/psychologists gained comprehensive knowledge of strategies and practices of various partner countries for the reintegration of young offenders, fostering a mindset geared towards replication and adaptation within their local contexts. -Enrichment of non-formal educational methods among youth workers, contributing to the development of a more international perspective, increased awareness of EU citizenship, and the value of international mobility in professional growth. -A pool of youth/social workers/prison officers/psychologists in different countries were trained in new tools and practices aimed at developing life skills in young offenders, leading to improved language skills, deeper expertise, enhanced CVs, and increased motivation. This has collectively strengthened the professional profile of youth workers.