Ninth Halfway House Opens in Plungė
On 6 December, a new resocialization institution—a halfway house—was inaugurated in Plungė, marking the ninth such facility in Lithuania. These institutions play a critical role in preparing individuals sentenced to imprisonment for reintegration into society, aiming to reduce re-offending rates. By providing a transitional environment, halfway houses offer inmates opportunities to develop new skills, integrate into the labour market, and rebuild social connections with their families.
The Plungė halfway house welcomed its first four residents on the day of its opening. Their daily routines will be supervised by staff from the Lithuanian Prison Service and the Lithuanian Probation Service. These professionals will develop structured weekly schedules and closely monitor adherence. Probation officers will assist residents in reconnecting with their families, addressing social challenges, and organizing community employment activities. During the initial month, the facility will house no more than five residents, all equipped with electronic monitoring devices (ankle bracelets) to ensure a smooth adaptation process.
“We are proud to open our fifth halfway house in the past four years,” stated Acting Minister of Justice Ewelina Dobrowolska during the opening ceremony. “Halfway houses play a vital role in helping inmates successfully reunite with their families and reintegrate into society. This marks a significant milestone in the correctional system as we work toward establishing an intermediate stop in each major region of our country.”
The opening also concluded the Project Development of Quality-Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System, implemented under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms program for Justice and Home Affairs (2014–2021). Mindaugas Kairys, Director General of the Lithuanian Prison Service, highlighted the project’s success: “This halfway house represents a significant achievement in preparing inmates for life beyond incarceration, providing a homely environment inspired by our Norwegian partners. We aim to expand the network of halfway houses to address the greatest areas of need across Lithuania.”
The Head of the Service emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Lithuanian Prison Service’s primary goal of enabling inmates to pursue lawful and purposeful lives, thereby enhancing public safety.
The Plungė Halfway House is the second such facility to integrate probation professionals into its operations. “Probation officers will support residents in securing employment, modifying behavioral patterns, restoring familial relationships, addressing social challenges, and participating in community work,” said Romas Ostanavičius, Director of the Lithuanian Probation Service. He noted that inmates housed in these facilities experience smoother societal integration by remaining closer to their families, homes, and potential workplaces.
Halfway houses represent a significant step in strengthening the resocialization system in Lithuania, which seeks to support inmates in turning a new page in their lives while ensuring public safety. Admission to these facilities is based on careful selection, prioritizing individuals who are motivated and prepared for change. Residents benefit from a structured environment and necessary support, yielding promising outcomes: many successfully reintegrate into society after leaving the facility.
Inmates may be transferred to halfway houses under Art. 37 of the Code on the Enforcement of Sentences for intensive release preparation. Violations of rules or offenses result in a return to a semi-open prison. Additionally, individuals not adhering to work, study, or schedule requirements may be removed from the halfway house.
The Lithuanian Prison Service announced the establishment of the Plungė halfway house in November 2023, followed by a community meeting. In November 2024, the Plungė District Municipality approved the town’s master plan, which included provisions for the halfway house and public land use. The facility was acquired for €520,000, with funding provided by the ProjectDevelopment of Quality-Based Lithuanian Correctional Service System under the EEA and Norwegian Financial Mechanisms program (2014–2021).
To date, Lithuania operates halfway houses in Alytus, Marijampolė, Vilnius, Pravieniškės, Panevėžys, Šiauliai, Tauragė, and Kaunas District.
Last updated: 10-12-2024
Related news:
Curriculum and Further Actions Agreed at International PROMOTE Partner Meeting
Guests from the Czech Republic Visited Marijampolė and Kaunas Prisons
A delegation from the Lithuanian Prison Service visited Liepāja Prison in Latvia
International Dialogue and Opportunities for Cooperation at Vilnius Prison