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.
