Integration of Prisoners through Work and Qualification (AQUA)

Integration of Prisoners through Work and Qualification (AQUA) is an ongoing grant program of the state of Schleswig-Holstein that specifically supports measures for the educational and vocational orientation, qualification, and competency assessment of remand and sentenced prisoners. Under the umbrella of the thematic areas of education & training as well as work & social affairs, modular concepts are funded that enable comprehensive labor market-oriented release preparation. The goal is to break precarious educational biographies and sustainably open up prospects for employment after incarceration for participants. At the end of each successful measure, participants receive qualified certificates or attestations that facilitate the transition into training or employment.

Eligible for funding are educational providers with headquarters or business premises in Schleswig-Holstein, who are recognized according to the Continuing Education and Adult Education Act or certified according to AZAV, ISO 9000ff., LQW 2, or comparable standards. A prerequisite for funding is a detailed concept regarding the duration, content, preparation, implementation, and documentation of the measures in coordination with the Ministry of Justice and Health. The qualification offer is complemented by socio-pedagogical interventions to strengthen social skills during incarceration. Funded are juvenile and young adult remand and sentenced prisoners as well as adult sentenced prisoners and substitute custodianship prisoners with a minimum duration of six months. Excluded are juvenile and young adult female sentenced prisoners. Applications can be submitted at any time before the start of the measure.