The PSSARP project

PSSARP is based on sound background information that emphasises the necessity and relevance of our initiative. Here we show you the goals and the partners who support us.

Time schedule

Project timeline

Project start
September 2023
Project launch and kick-off meeting The Erasmus+ project PSSARP officially starts with the coordination between the partners from Germany, Italy and Romania.
Field research begins
November 2023
Start of interviews in the partner countries In Germany, Italy and Romania, initial interviews are conducted with detainees and their relatives in order to visualise the affective needs and challenges.
First international working meeting
January 2024
Workshop in Bucharest (Romania) The project partners meet at JVA Jilava to discuss initial results and analyse country-specific features.
Second international working meeting
June 2024
Workshop in Sardinia (Italy) The meeting will focus on the Italian practice of intimate visiting rooms and the discussion of psychosocial support programmes in open prisons at the Casa di Reclusione Is Arenas prison on the island of Sardinia.
MOOC development and finalisation phase
June 2025
Online course and closing event at Bremen Prison (Germany) The online course for professionals goes online, the project results are presented and recommendations for policy and practice are introduced.

Who is our project primarily aimed at?

Affectivity in the prison system affects many people - far beyond the prison walls. PSSARP is aimed at everyone for whom emotional stability during imprisonment is crucial: the inmates themselves, their relatives and the professionals who work in the prison system on a daily basis.

Target groups

Detainees
People in prison face the challenge of maintaining their relationships despite separation. PSSARP supports ways in which partnerships, parenthood and emotional bonds can also be strengthened in prison.
Relatives
Partners, children and family members often experience powerlessness and isolation. The project also takes their perspective seriously and looks for ways to promote bonding and family life in this particular situation.
Specialists
Social workers, psychologists, educators and prison officers are key players in the resocialisation process. PSSARP develops practical training programmes to support them professionally in dealing with affective issues.

What goals are we aiming for?

Objectives

Autumn 2023 - recording requirements
Understanding what is missing
We analyse the emotional, partnership and family needs of inmates and their relatives during their time in prison.
Spring 2024 - Developing solutions
Showing ways
Based on the research findings, we develop practical approaches for maintaining bonds and promoting emotional stability - within the existing prison structures.
Summer 2025 - Provide training and recommendations
Passing on knowledge
With the online course (MOOC) and our policy recommendations, we provide specialists and decision-makers with concrete tools for practical use.

Project partners

Consortium

Three partners, one common goal: a holistic approach to resocialisation.

PSSARP brings together specialists from the fields of psychology, the penal system and education. Igor Vitale International (Italy) contributes psychological expertise on emotional reintegration. The Jilava Correctional Centre (Romania) shows how affective relationships can also be shaped in the prison system. Europe Unlimited (Germany) combines European project work with many years of experience in educational projects in the prison system. Together, we pool our knowledge to open up new paths for prisoners, their families and professionals in Europe.