New Innovation in Georgia: Public Service Halls in Penitentiary Institutions (Georgia, 2023)
Brand New International Innovation of the Ministry of Justice – Public Service Halls in Penitentiary Institutions
On June 12, 2023, the Ministry of Justice of Georgia launched a brand new international innovation for inmates. Upon the initiative of Justice Minister all penal institutions will be equipped with Public Service Halls, which are the hub of public and private services. The project is implemented within the framework of a Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the LEPL Public Service Hall and the Special Penitentiary Service. The main idea of this innovation is to further expand the rehabilitation and resocialization opportunities for inmates and create unique platform for adequate and simplified service delivery mechanism.
In order to achieve this goal, the Ministry of Justice has, for the first time, opened Public Service Halls in penitentiary institutions, starting with a pilot project in №16 and №5 Penitentiary Establishments. Additional branches will gradually open in other institutions.
The first time in the history of penal system, the hub of public services within the prison facilities has become accessible for inmates.
After the opening of the Public Service Hall branches in the penitentiary system, services for convicts will be as comfortable as for any other visitors to the Public Service Halls. The space intended for the service center is in full compliance with the interior of the Public Service Hall.
More than 50 state-run services are available to those in the penitentiary institutions, including but not limited to:
Obtaining ID documents / birth certificates;
Giving consent for issues related to minor children;
Issues related to citizenship;
Determining the status of a single parent;
Divorce certificate;
Obtaining an education certificate/diploma; and etc.
It should also be mentioned that inmates will be able to receive the mentioned services by making prior reservations.
By the end of the year, the Ministry of Justice of Georgia will introduce this innovation in all penitentiary establishments.
Promoting professional
