The complexity of both the detention context and the reintegration process requires an increasing development of partnerships and networks, both on a structural level and at the file level, to realize a meaningful range of help and services tailored to prisoners.

GOAL: This project examines, on the basis of an analysis from a network perspective, how the current Flemish cooperation model for the organisation of assistance and services to prisoners can be strengthened, always starting from the needs and requirements of detainees. The Flemish Agency for Justice and Enforcement works together with all relevant stakeholders for this project at supra-local level. With Ghent University as the leading project partner, we have drawn up an extensive network analysis in the first project by means of interviews and working tables with the supralocal network actors. Since the learning questions in connection with call 557 were not yet fully answered in the first project, this second project continues this exercise to improve the supra-local collaboration.

RESULTS: Four main areas for improvement were identified and explored, namely:

1. (The preparation of) the next STRAP (2025-2030) - connecting thi strategy formulation process to previous insights and to ensure a coherent supra-local agenda.

2. Cooperation with DG EPI - optimizing the collaboration between the federal and regional government to ensure coordinated, joint action 

3. The internal functioning of the GC and VWG (including coordination and management) - optimising the governance structures, communication processes, composition.

4. Focusing on the user perspective - ensuring professionals do not only talk about detinees, but also include detinees in thinking how to improve the overall service delivery

Ghent University, based on their expertise in network management, has worked on these four 'work packages', in close collaboration with the Agency and other actors involved in the supra-local arrangements. We actively carried out interviews, organized stakeholder meetings, wrote several inputs for different actors, acted as a 'sounding board' for the professionals involved in the supra-local governance.