Central Board of Prison Service in partnership with the Norwegian Directorate for Correctional Services and the Academy of Justice is implementing the project, which Module number 1 called “Pilot penitentiary complexes” assumes building and launching 5 modern penitentiary complexes
One of the establishments covered by the project is the detention centre in Warsaw-Bialołęka. The building of a social re-adaptation house (the so-called halfway house) is planned on its premises. The establishment and functioning of the halfway houses will be both innovative and pilot. The concept is based on the construction of a modern building with elements of Scandinavian architecture located outside the walls of the penitentiary facility. The building has been designed with open and glazed rooms to create a spatial effect of the facility, which boosts rehabilitation. In an energy-efficient halfway house, 15 double rooms and one single room for the disabled are designed. The plans also include group classrooms, play rooms for children, a common dining room with kitchen, office spaces for officers and staff, a lift and a number of auxiliary and technical rooms. Structural landscaping facilities such as play area, gazebo and parking spaces will be located outside the building. The rehabilitation process in the halfway houses will be based on close cooperation between the Prison Service and external institutions, i.e. the probation service, NGOs, churches and other aid organizations. By creating conditions similar to those outside penitentiary units in the halfway houses, the inmates will be able to adapt to the outside-the-facility environment, engage in work and educational activities, while ensuring the necessary level of control. The acquisition of vocational training through participation in vocational training, off-site employment and the acquisition of free living skills will provide comprehensive support in the process of social rehabilitation and re-adaptation.
Drawn up by: Warsaw Regional Inspectorate of the Prison Service
