Digitisation of the risk and needs assessment tool is a priority

25 September 2023, Chisinau – The Ministry of Justice aims to modernize the probation system by digitizing the processes of managing the files of probation subjects, including the development of risk and needs assessment software. The subject was discussed at a working meeting of the state secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Nadejda Burciu, with the head of the Child Protection Section of the UNICEF representative in Moldova, Flore Rossi, the president of the Association for Participatory Criminal Justice, Augustina Bolocan-Holban, and the director of the National Probation Inspectorate, Viorel Sochircă.

“The digitization of justice is a priority of the Ministry of Justice and is an objective set out both in the Strategy on Ensuring the Independence and Integrity of the Justice Sector for 2022-2025 and in the National Development Strategy “Moldova 2030″. Thus, this initiative is perfectly in line with the efforts to modernise and digitise the criminal justice system, with a focus on the re-socialisation and reintegration of persons in conflict with the law,” said the Secretary of State.

With the support of UNICEF, a delegation from the Republic of Moldova paid a study visit to Romania to learn about the use of the SERN (Risk and Needs Assessment Scale) application. The meeting discussed the adoption and adaptation of this tool by the National Probation Inspectorate. Nadejda Burciu also mentioned that the implementation of a digital probation system is a more complex process and includes a number of steps, including the development of the concept, terms of reference and specifications, operating regulations, etc.

“Our aim is to develop a risk and needs assessment tool that will be integrated and synchronised with the information system for managing convicted offenders’ files. Therefore, when we talk about digital transformation of institutions we need to have a holistic and well-coordinated approach,” said the Secretary of State.

The given activity is part of the project “Increasing the application of alternatives to detention for children in conflict with the law and their resocialization”, implemented in partnership by the National Probation Inspectorate, the National Administration of Penitentiaries, the Mediation Council, the Association for Participatory Criminal Justice and UNICEF Moldova.

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