Starting from previous experiences with projects addressed to minors and young adults in jail or on probation, the network of institutions and stakeholders involved in the promotion of social justice and alternative measures to imprisonment has been activated to define a shared model for Community Service (Lavori di Pubblica Utilità, Italian Law 67/2014) in the urban area of Florence. Through this experience, we developed a pilot program for Community Service, addressed in particular to those prosecuted for drug- or alcohol-related minor offenses, supported by dedicated tutors. The program aimed to improve offenders’ psychosocial skills, and to provide a stimulating context to deepen reflections on their life, and on social justice in their communities. Best practices were collected, paying particular attention to giving voice to offenders in co-creating an effective model for building inclusive communities and preventing recidivism. Participants were 10 (2 females, 8 males). Semi-structured interviews and grids were used for monitoring and evaluating the activities. Participants showed difficulties at the beginning of the program concerning delays in the judiciary access to it, resulting in feelings of helplessness. Their final evaluation was fully positive: they expressed a better awareness of their crimes and their lifestyle and stated the willingness to share their feelings and experience with other possible participants in the program. They were particularly satisfied both with the regular interactions with the tutors and with the proposed activities, which relied on the advocacy mission of the NGO implementing the program (i.e., Società della Ragione, an association focused on social justice and rights promotion). Such a program had a significant impact by promoting proactive attitudes in participants, stimulating new interests and critical thinking, and supporting their positive socialization with other people and associations in the local community.
Action research co-creating an alternative program to incarceration
Guidi, Elisa;
2023-01-01
Abstract
Starting from previous experiences with projects addressed to minors and young adults in jail or on probation, the network of institutions and stakeholders involved in the promotion of social justice and alternative measures to imprisonment has been activated to define a shared model for Community Service (Lavori di Pubblica Utilità, Italian Law 67/2014) in the urban area of Florence. Through this experience, we developed a pilot program for Community Service, addressed in particular to those prosecuted for drug- or alcohol-related minor offenses, supported by dedicated tutors. The program aimed to improve offenders’ psychosocial skills, and to provide a stimulating context to deepen reflections on their life, and on social justice in their communities. Best practices were collected, paying particular attention to giving voice to offenders in co-creating an effective model for building inclusive communities and preventing recidivism. Participants were 10 (2 females, 8 males). Semi-structured interviews and grids were used for monitoring and evaluating the activities. Participants showed difficulties at the beginning of the program concerning delays in the judiciary access to it, resulting in feelings of helplessness. Their final evaluation was fully positive: they expressed a better awareness of their crimes and their lifestyle and stated the willingness to share their feelings and experience with other possible participants in the program. They were particularly satisfied both with the regular interactions with the tutors and with the proposed activities, which relied on the advocacy mission of the NGO implementing the program (i.e., Società della Ragione, an association focused on social justice and rights promotion). Such a program had a significant impact by promoting proactive attitudes in participants, stimulating new interests and critical thinking, and supporting their positive socialization with other people and associations in the local community.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
