ANNEX - CASE STUDIES ON GOOD PRACTICES As representatives of the Lithuanian Prison Service (who have had direct experience of working in Halfway Houses) stated during an interview, each person receives a great deal of individual attention in order to get to the bottom of their problems and challenges. If necessary, individuals are referred for help for addictions or health problems.530 Although there is no official data on the number of persons with intellectual and/ or psychosocial disabilities in the penal system, according to a representative of the Lithuanian Prison Service, in the past year, up to ten persons were identified by the staff as having a disability (both intellectual and/or psychosocial and physical). Although staff members are not specifically trained to recognise or respond to the individual needs of persons with disabilities, during the interviews, professionals indicated that there are staff members with similar experience, and that the competences of the staff member are also taken into account when transferring a person to a Halfway House. However, the aim is to identify individual needs as early as possible. As a result, from 2021, social workers and their assistants have been working in the penitentiary system, whose functions include getting to know the person and identifying potential problem areas, arranging for the treatment of addictive diseases or other health problems, etc.531 However, if the need for help arises while a person is in a Halfway House, it is organised. Professionals who have worked directly with inmates at the Halfway House report positive changes in their behaviour. There is solidarity with the new arrivals and a certain takeover of the duties of social workers in terms of helping, explaining or escorting them to work, education or health facilities. Moreover, according to the Lithuanian Prison Service, Halfway Houses do not have the subcultures that prevail in prisons. There is also contact with social workers, which is maintained after release. 130 It is also worth mentioning that Halfway Houses involve inmates in a wide range of social and community activities. While there is usually some initial opposition from local communities to the establishment of such a facility, this eventually subsides. Communities notice that there is more protection, inmates contribute to the cleaning of the community environment, and willingly join in activities and classes. It should be noted that people living in Halfway Houses have the opportunity to strengthen their relationships with their relatives, improve their emotional health. People currently living in Halfway Houses have the possibility to go home for up to two days each week, as well as to take a holiday at home (up to 20 days, as defined in the Labour Code). In conclusion, although Halfway Houses are not exclusively for persons with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities, it is considered that it can be beneficial for them in several ways: 1. Individualised care and support: Halfway Houses can provide individualised support for detainees with disabilities based on their individual needs. This can include access to specialised healthcare professionals, counselling services, and educational resources; 2. Peer support: Halfway Houses provide opportunities for detainees (including those with intellectual and/or psychosocial disabilities) to connect with persons who are facing similar challenges. This peer support can help individuals build social connections and develop coping strategies; 3. Transitional support: Halfway Houses provide transitional support to detainees with disabilities who are being released from prison or other institutional settings. This support can include access to medical and mental health services, housing assistance, employment training, and other resources that can help the individual successfully reintegrate into life in the community.