Psychological Support as an Important Component of the “Return to Society” Project

On September 29, 2026, an introductory meeting was held in Petropavlovsk to discuss the social project “Return to Society”, implemented by the Department of the Penal Enforcement System of the North Kazakhstan Region. The meeting brought together representatives of higher education institutions, government agencies, the judicial system, the akimat, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders.

Representatives of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, including specialists from the Departments of Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Law Disciplines, took part in the meeting.

The “Return to Society” project is aimed at improving mechanisms for the social adaptation and resocialization of convicted persons and individuals being released from penal institutions, fostering a sustainable commitment to law-abiding behavior, increasing legal literacy, and developing in-demand professional skills. Particular attention during the meeting was paid to the psychological component of the resocialization process.

The Department of Psychology was represented by Saulet Urazbekovna Abenova, PhD, Acting Associate Professor. In her presentation, Saulet Abenova emphasized that successful reintegration into society cannot be considered solely from the perspective of addressing social issues such as employment, restoration of documents, housing, and social connections. Equally important is the psychological restoration of a person’s ability to interact constructively with society, accept responsibility, regulate emotions, and develop a new life perspective.

An important outcome of the meeting was the discussion of prospects for further scientific and practical cooperation between the Department of the Penal Enforcement System of the North Kazakhstan Region and L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. The areas discussed included conducting applied research, organizing practical training for students, developing and piloting methodological recommendations, as well as involving researchers and practitioners in the implementation of project activities.