The Georgian penitentiary system is preparing to launch a pilot program focused on preparing inmates for release with an emphasis on harm reduction within the prison setting.
Representatives from the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons, in partnership with the Georgian Penitentiary System, are working on the development of this program.
According to preliminary agreements, the penitentiary system will identify institutions where the pilot program for release preparation will be implemented, as well as institutions where support groups for inmates who use drugs can be organized.
“It is worth noting that such programs are being introduced in Georgia for the first time. Currently, there is no unified model for release preparation in the penitentiary system. Individualized care planning is only available in some institutions”, emphasized Vazha Kasrelishvili, the representative of the Eurasian Movement for the Right to Health in Prisons in Georgia and the program manager of the public organization “Tanadgoma”.
On the other hand, the non-governmental sector will develop standards for release preparation and a module on overdose prevention for penitentiary system staff who will be involved in the release preparation program. It is expected that the necessary materials for launching the programs will be ready by the end of 2023.