The idea of detention houses is not bound to one
national context. In fact, many European countries already have some examples of
small-scale, differentiated and community-integrated (detention) facilities. The
desire for a systemic change also transcends national borders. Indeed, most European
countries are being criticized or convicted for their prison systems. The positive
results of the existing examples have fueled this shared desire for change. This
became clear through the relationships established between partners from Belgium,
France, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal: De Huizen (BE), Vrije Universiteit
Brussel (BE), Farapej (FR), Restorative Justice Nederland (NL), Chains (NL), Bonjo
(NL), Avans Hogeschool (NL), Stichting terugkeer en herstel (NL), Dat is Helder
(NL), Wayback (NO) and RESHAPE (PT). The relationships between these partners and
their shared mission to support the use of detention houses instead of large prison
institutions became the foundation for RESCALED – the European Movement for
Detention Houses. Within a decade, an idea has become a movement.