In the challenging field of the justice system, it is essential to balance security with (re)integration, ensuring that incarcerated individuals are prepared for a successful return to society.
On this page, we introduce key projects aimed at promoting positive change and supporting a more holistic approach. These initiatives are designed to improve individual lives and enhance community safety.
We are continuously developing new projects aligned with this mission.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the RESIZE Project, running from 2025 to 2029! As one of only 8 Blueprint Alliances selected by the EU, we are honored to play a key role in reshaping correctional competencies across Europe. The RESIZE project focuses on small-scale, community-integrated detention houses and aims to upskill practitioners through the RESCALED initiative.
Stay tuned – we will be launching a dedicated RESIZE project page soon!
This project will be carried out with the support of 25 partner organizations, including CPIP Romania – Centrul pentru Promovarea Invatarii Permanente, working together to create high-quality curricula and implement regional Pacts for Skills. The goal is to enhance the capabilities of both current and future correctional professionals, fostering innovation and promoting more humane, rehabilitative environments in the justice system.
As part of the LiberateSkills initiative, RESIZE aligns with the broader goal of professionalizing staff working with minors, youth, and adults in correctional settings, bridging gaps in competency levels and integrating correctional practices with education.
We are excited to collaborate with partners across Europe to contribute to more inclusive and rehabilitative justice systems.
LENNY focuses on actively involving people with lived prison experience in our work, as so-called “Experts by Experience.” No one can better articulate the feelings and challenges associated with incarceration than those who have personally gone through it. On October 10, we had the exciting opportunity to present our new initiative to Neustart.
Our goal in presenting this idea to Neustart was to explore the potential for long-term collaboration and to help establish this concept more firmly in Austria. This is a positive step forward in utilizing “lived experience” and giving people with prison experience a voice.
What did our presentation include?
Experts by Experience: Formerly incarcerated individuals bring unique expertise based on their personal experiences. In the UK, the Unlocked Graduates Program also employs former prisoners in the training and coaching of future prison officers.
Global Freedom Fellowship: A program by the Incarceration Nations Network (INN) that brings together formerly incarcerated leaders from around the world. The fellowship promotes social change, builds transnational solidarity, and recognizes the valuable contribution of former prisoners in shaping a more just society.
Rubikon Centrum: This organization from the Czech Republic supports individuals with a criminal background in reintegrating into society. They provide assistance with job searches, debt management, and the restoration of family relationships.
Why Experts by Experience?
People with lived prison experience offer a unique perspective that can contribute to shaping better systems. The Rubikon Centrum in the Czech Republic has already implemented such a project. Our hope is to introduce these approaches in Austria.
With our presentation at Neustart, we took the first steps toward bringing this idea to Austria and utilizing lived experience as a valuable resource in working with former prisoners.
