Improving Skills and Knowledge for Prison Staff Working with Children – A Comparative Study on Social Programmes to Reduce Risky Behavior”

In 2020, 834 crimes and 4,239 misdemeanours were registered as juvenile offences in Estonia. The most common crimes committed by young people were thefts and physical abuse. The most common misdemeanours are alcohol and drug use, petty theft, traffic offences and smoking. Estonian legislation is based on the concept of child-friendly justice in cases of juvenile offence. This includes prevention, training, intervention and support based on the best interests and rights of the child. Thus, prevention aims to reduce recurrent and serious offences. The aim of the study is to find social programmes suitable for use in closed institutions, prisons and probation in Estonia. Specifically, the goal is to support positive behaviour and/or reduce negative behaviour through attitudes, knowledge, or experience.

The study analyses and compares science and evidence-based social programmes used in Estonia and elsewhere. These social programmes are aimed at young people with assistance needs and risky behaviour. In particular, the purpose is to help them develop their social skills, improve their ability to cope with emotions and shape their values. Furthermore, the study will explore the content and science-based evidence of these programmes. This includes examining the logic that supports behaviour change, past performance, and influencing factors. Based on the implementation experience and the positive and negative aspects observed in Estonia, certain programmes will be selected. Consequently, these selected programmes could be used in closed institutions and probation settings in Estonia.

To compare the programmes, the study by IBS will analyse secondary sources. Additionally, it will interview specialists related to the programmes and fieldwork. Finally, the study will discuss the possible use and effectiveness of different programmes in Estonia with experts in the field.