Albania Pilot Court Administration Reform Project (APCARP)
EWMI provided comprehensive assistance to Albania’s courts and judicial system through a combination of administrative and judicial training, automation, computer network installation and public outreach under the three-year USAID-funded Albania Pilot Court Administration Reform Project (APCARP). EWMI’s approach to this project began with detailed assessments of potential pilot courts. Once the pilot courts were chosen, extensive baseline surveys were conducted in order to best assess key challenges and measure progress. EWMI also supported efforts to improve the Case Management Information System (CMIS) of Albania’s courts, and provided CMIS to the project’s pilot courts. Under the project EWMI addressed transparency issues in the courts, and led efforts to improve customer service and access. EWMI also spearheaded extensive training programs for court administrators, including train the trainer programs. These combined efforts produced dramatic improvements in the physical condition and environment of the pilot courts, their operational efficiency and accessibility to the public, and the skills and professionalism of their staff. Positive impact was also realized through EWMI’s work with its national-level counterparts, leading to sustainable changes in the way courts are managed and justice is rendered in Albania.