Prison Officers from the Lithuanian Prison Service Visited Olsztyn to Exchange Experience and Strengthen Rehabilitation Cooperation
On 28–29 May 2026, representatives of the Lithuanian Prison Service and partner institutions visited Olsztyn, Republic of Poland, as part of Project No. LTPL00388, “Networking towards Successful Resocialisation of Convicts and Uniting Society for Common Trust,” implemented under the Interreg VI-A Lithuania–Poland Cooperation Programme.
The project seeks to strengthen cooperation between Lithuanian and Polish institutions, promote the exchange of professional expertise, enhance rehabilitation measures for convicted persons, and foster public trust in rehabilitation and social reintegration processes.
During the study visit, participants became acquainted with the activities of the Olsztyn Halfway House (Dom Przejściowy) and Olsztyn Prison. They also took part in the workshop “Identifying the Needs of Inmates and Opportunities to Reduce Social Exclusion,” which provided a platform for professional dialogue and the exchange of practical experience.
A central focus of the visit was the presentation of the Polish halfway house model, designed to facilitate the gradual transition of inmates from prison to independent life in the community. The Olsztyn Halfway House, a pilot facility operating since the end of 2024, accommodates up to 30 inmates and offers opportunities to work, pursue education, maintain family and social relationships, and participate in community activities while preparing for release.
Participants discussed the similarities and differences between the Polish model and the halfway houses currently operating in Lithuania, sharing practical insights and exploring opportunities for further development of community-based rehabilitation services.
The delegation also visited Olsztyn Prison, which houses up to 345 inmates, where they were introduced to the organisation of prison operations, accommodation arrangements, inmate employment opportunities, vocational training workshops, and rehabilitation programmes. Particular attention was given to initiatives that encourage personal responsibility, develop practical skills, and support successful reintegration into society following release.
The accompanying workshop enabled experts from both countries to discuss the needs of inmates, challenges related to social exclusion, and effective approaches to rehabilitation. Participants emphasized the importance of coordinated interinstitutional cooperation in ensuring comprehensive support for people serving sentences and facilitating their successful return to society.
The visit further strengthened professional cooperation between Lithuanian and Polish partners and provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge and good practices in the fields of rehabilitation and social reintegration. The experience gained through the project will contribute to the continued improvement of rehabilitation measures and the development of joint cross-border initiatives aimed at supporting successful reintegration, reducing reoffending, and enhancing public safety.
For more information about the Programme, visit: www.lietuva-polska.eu.
The project is implemented under the Interreg VI-A Lithuania–Poland Cooperation Programme and is co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.