Joint delegation from the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Penal Reform International learns about Jordan’s experience in addiction treatment and rehabilitation in Bereen
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Amman – 20 October 2026
A joint delegation of representatives from the embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Amman and Penal Reform International conducted a field visit to the Addiction Treatment Center at the Bereen Correction and Rehabilitation Center and to the Behavior Modification and Child Rehabilitation Center in Bereen. The visit aimed to learn first-hand about the rehabilitation and treatment programmes and services provided to beneficiaries.
The embassy was represented by deputy Ambassador Ms. Laurie Visser, Second Secretary Ms. Annelie Boeren, and Policy Adviser Ms. Raya Khrais, together with representatives of Penal Reform International.
The visit aimed to explore ways to strengthen cooperation and to learn about the technical needs of the two centers, ahead of the start of implementation of the project “Promoting Alternative Sanctions in Jordan: Advancing People-Centered Justice and Community Safety,” implemented by Penal Reform International with funding and support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The visit also comes in the context of Jordan’s government policy to address the challenges of drug-related crime, including through strengthening treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts, alongside measures to promote community safety.
Integrated programmes and psychosocial support
During the visit to the Addiction Treatment Center, the delegation was briefed by the Center’s Director, Colonel Atef Al-Hamadneh, in the presence of a number of officers. He described the Center’s establishment as a specialised facility that began providing addiction treatment in 2022 with a capacity of 64 inmates, and that has delivered treatment and rehabilitation services to around 1,381 beneficiaries up to 2026.
Colonel Al-Hamadneh explained that the services form an integrated system, starting with health care and detoxification extending to psychosocial support, vocational training, arts, sports, and cultural activities to prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
Specialised care for children in line with the highest standards of confidentiality
The visit also included the Behavior Modification and Child Rehabilitation Center, which is under the Ministry of Social Development. The Ministry’s Director of Juveniles and Protection, Mr. Imad Al-Suhaiba, and the Center’s Director, Ms. Alia Mansour, together with the specialised medical and social team, presented the services provided to children placed in the Center in cases related to substance use and addiction.
The centre has been operating since 2024 with a capacity of 18 children (girls and boys). The centre applies a “case management” approach. Including an individual assessment and a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plan overseen by a multidisciplinary team, with the aim of supporting the children’s recovery and safe return to their families and communities.
The delegation concluded its visit with a tour of the facilities of both centers, during which listened to the views on ways to develop the rehabilitation and treatment programmes offered to beneficiaries.