From August 26 to 30, 2024, an important milestone was reached in the Erasmus+ project, Together for Greater Support for Families of Convicts, during a working trip to southern Italy. The project, co-funded by the European Union, aims to enhance support systems for families of inmates and improve the reintegration of ex-convicts into society. Hosted by Gramigna OdV, a local non-profit organization in Benevento, the event gathered participants from Volonté CZ and Yellow Ribbon CZ, all committed to addressing the challenges faced by families of inmates.

A highlight of this journey was the workshop held at a correctional facility in Eboli on August 29. The event provided a platform for dialogue between local and international actors, bringing together experts, social workers, educators, and policymakers to develop effective strategies for supporting families of inmates — a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of criminal justice.

The Eboli workshop represented the second significant gathering of stakeholders in the project, following the inaugural meeting in Prague in October 2023. This ongoing initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing shared challenges, particularly in the fields of reintegration and family support for inmates.

Organized by an Italian non-profit organization in collaboration with local correctional facilities, the event was an example of how cooperation between civic organizations, correctional institutions, and social enterprises can create meaningful change. Representatives from other key organizations emphasized the need to work together to provide holistic support to both inmates and their families, ensuring that these vulnerable groups are not left behind.

One of the most impactful aspects of the workshop was the active involvement of inmates from the Eboli correctional facility. Their participation offered valuable insights into the challenges they face, both during incarceration and upon reentry into society. By giving them a platform to voice their experiences, the initiative highlighted the importance of including inmates in discussions about their future, particularly in addressing the stigmatization their families often endure.

Reducing the stigma associated with incarceration was a key theme throughout the event. Experts discussed the need to implement programs that support not only the inmates but also their families, helping to maintain and strengthen familial bonds during and after incarceration. Stronger family ties have been shown to improve the chances of successful reintegration, making this work essential to broader criminal justice reform efforts.

During the visit in Italy, participants had the opportunity to witness firsthand the work of a local social enterprise, where ex-convicts and migrants are employed in agricultural and food-related initiatives. The enterprise partners with farms and other organizations to provide employment opportunities that help reintegrate ex-convicts into society. The program not only empowers participants through meaningful work but also helps reduce recidivism by providing them with the skills and confidence needed to build a new life.

This visit highlighted how social enterprises can serve as a bridge between incarceration and successful reintegration, providing individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

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