The Belgian Ministry of Justice and Serco, a public service provider for governments across Europe and worldwide, are pleased to announce the official opening of the first halfway house in Wallonia, Belgium, located in Enghien. This new facility, operational since 17 September 2024, is designed to support prisoners nearing the end of their sentence, helping them successfully reintegrate into society and reducing the risk of reoffending. This project is part of a national initiative that has already led to the creation of four other halfway houses (also called transition houses) across Belgium in Mechelen, Gentbrugge, and Leuven.

The Enghien halfway house accommodates residents selected from prisons based on stringent criteria. These individuals are within 18 months of being eligible for parole. They receive personalised support aimed at fostering independence and easing their social reintegration. Under strict supervision, residents are granted temporary leave for purposes such as job searching, attending training courses, or fulfilling administrative obligations.

Serco, through its specialised subsidiary ORS, manages this facility, drawing on internationally recognised expertise in supporting vulnerable groups and facilitating social reintegration, particularly in Switzerland. Close collaboration with psychosocial teams and prison management ensures a comprehensive follow-up for each resident, contributing to an optimised reintegration process.

The team at the Enghien halfway house comprises six “life coaches” and three reintegration coaches. The “life coaches” oversee the daily functioning of the house, instilling principles of responsibility, collaboration, and autonomy in the residents. The reintegration coaches work individually with each resident to assist with administrative tasks, job searches, access to training, and connections to available support services. The facility is staffed 24/7 to ensure continuous supervision and tailored support for residents' needs. If a problem arises with a resident, returning them to prison remains an option.

Paul Van Tigchelt, Minister of Justice, said:
"If we want to ensure that prisoners do not reoffend after their release, we must give them the opportunity to take control of their lives. This is exactly what a transition house does. The existing transition houses in Mechelen, Leuven, and Ghent have achieved excellent results. Dozens of prisoners have successfully reintegrated into society without relapsing into crime. Furthermore, just like with the previous pilot project in Enghien, no significant issues have arisen. I would like to thank the Enghien City Council and the Serco team for taking on this pioneering role. Together, step by step, we are giving more meaning to detention and making society safer."

Olivier Saint-Amand, Mayor of Enghien stated:
"Over the past two years, the pilot project of the Enghien transition house has proven its value in our community. Contacts and collaborations with various local partners have facilitated the gradual reintegration of prisoners into economic and social life. The local police have given positive feedback on the experience, which has not required any additional mobilisation of their services for security measures. The City of Enghien is therefore delighted with the Federal Government’s decision to continue this important project, which promotes reintegration and reduces the risk of reoffending among participants."

Mathilde Steenbergen, Director General of Belgian Penitentiary Institutions, said:
"I am very pleased with the opening of another transition house, as it marks another step towards reintegrating prisoners. Small-scale detention facilities allow for tailored, personalised support, which helps prisoners regain responsibility. Preparing for reintegration is crucial to preventing reoffending and, in turn, enhancing public safety. Mechelen has shown that this concept works, and the participants feel they have the tools needed to build a new life."

Gaëtan Desclée, Managing Director of Serco Europe, commented:
"We are incredibly proud to be leading this project and of the commitment shown by our teams, as well as the trust placed in us by the Ministry of Justice. Our true value lies in our role as a partner to institutions and governments, helping to tackle today’s challenges by providing concrete and effective solutions."