[WATCH] Minister launches support services for reintegration of inmates

New services introduced at Corradino prison to facilitate reintegration of inmates • Video Ray Attard

Addressing journalists at a press conference at the Corradino Correctional Facilty, Michael Farrugia, Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity announced that the Ministry was planning to insititute new measures in order to ensure that those inmates who reach the end of their sentence can reintegrate themselves into society as seamlessly as possible.

“I have had experiences where ex-inmates come to our doors at the ministry, not knowing what to do next”, said Minister Farrugia.

The new service would entail two officials being present at the correctional facility every Thursday between 9am and 12pm, starting next Thursday. The officials would then be in charge of checking and satisfying the needs of the inmates.

The Department of Social Solidarity will be given a list of convicts who will be finishing their sentence in the coming three weeks, and the two officials would then meet with the people on the list and apply for the services which ex-inmates would normally need upon finishing their stay in prison.

Starting paperwork early would ensure that inmates would be able to start their lives anew the moment they step out of prison, and not have to wait until these documents come into force. According to Farrugia this “fast track” system would lead to less ex-inmates being tempted to resort to a criminal way of life.

“Our intention is not to promote dependence on social services, but these services aim to act as a cushion for inmates to be able to enter the workforce and reintegrate with the rest of society as effortlessly as possible”, Farrugia hastened to add.

“This transitional period is meant to ease ex-inmates’ financial suffering.” He said

Farrugia said that the ministry is working very hard to promote the work being done at the correctional facility, and it is trying its best to provide the inmates with skills that may be necessary for their future.

Farrugia then listed some of the activities provided for the inmates. “Activities include needlework lessons, painting lessons and community work opportunities that allow them to practise the skills they learn”.

The ministry is also co-operating with various other facilities in order to use some of the products made by the inmates in other places. It has already used some soft furnishings, like curtains and bedspreads, to renovate two of the halls at St. Vincent de Paul residence.

“Inmates are also given some pocket-money for their work, and 10% of the proceeds go to a special fund used to help victims.

Mary Grace Pisani, the person who gives needlework classes, also spoke about interest from the private sector. “Some of the products they make are also being bought by other sources in the private sector.”

Farrugia said that these services are the first step and that the ministry plans to start a one-stop system for ex-inmates around the island.

“The plan is to open up a place where ex-inmates can go for their every need and to be able to access any applications they have. Seven localities are already being targeted, and there are plans for one such place at the Corradino facility itself”, said Farrugia.