On July 3, 2024, a crime prevention course for teachers was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia and the Ministry of Justice. This national initiative aims to equip teachers and school staff with the skills needed to promptly identify and address illegal or concerning behavior among minors.
The presentation of the crime prevention course was attended by key officials, including Giorgi Amilakhvari, the Minister of Education, Science, and Youth Affairs; Rati Bregadze, the Minister of Justice; Lado Kheladze, Head of the Agency for Crime Prevention, Non-Custodial Sentences, and Probation; and Niko Tatulashvili, an advisor to the Prime Minister.
The primary goal of the course is to prevent crime, thereby protecting adolescents from making mistakes that could lead to legal issues and ensuring public safety. All teachers and relevant staff in public and private schools will undergo retraining, significantly enhancing their ability to prevent early criminal behavior and respond effectively to at-risk minors.
The course covers various thematic areas, including:
- Juvenile justice and referrals for minors
- Child development milestones
- Causes and protective factors for juvenile delinquency
- The school’s role in the crime prevention process
- Positive discipline techniques for teachers dealing with juveniles in conflict with the law
- Gambling and substance dependence
- Screen-related disorders in teens
- Violence against children, and more.
The event also included participation from representatives of the Justice Training Center and the Teacher Vocational Training Center, both of which will play a direct role in the initiative.