An Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDEF project works for alternatives to prison sentencing in the Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The goal is to promote the effective use of non-custodial and early release measures to challenge the overuse of imprisonment, help decrease in the prison population and build proportionate responses to crime. The project works to help develop a probation system in Armenia and Azerbaijan -- currently completely lacking in both countries -- while supporting community service and early release through parole. Special focus is given to women and juvenile offenders.