In Italy, the issue of juvenile detention represents a complex challenge, where factors such as the family, educational and social context significantly affect the chances of recovery and reintegration of young detainees. This is the context in which Terre des Hommes Foundation, a nongovernmental organization active in Italy since 1989, operates. Its mission is the protection of children from all forms of violence or abuse, guaranteeing the right to health, education and freedom. Over the years, the Foundation has developed numerous projects to support children in difficulty, working with public and private institutions to promote pathways of inclusion and protection. “Chance,” the project we have chosen to support, is developed in collaboration with experts from the Operating Unit of Neuropsychiatry and Psychology for Children and Adolescents of the Juvenile Penitentiary Institute (IPM) Beccaria in Milan. The initiative aims to improve the conditions of juvenile inmates through the implementation of creative and expression workshops: 1. Thus, the project provides at its base a psychosocial intervention that, instead of embracing only inmates, also addresses other stakeholders, going to work with young inmates but also with officers and operators. The work is developed in workshop meetings 'of doing' and expressing oneself, in order to be able to 'see' and 'recognize the other'. Some examples of workshops (not exhaustive): Ugly Drawing Playback Theatre Photography Radio Storyboard But also psychoeducational and educational workshops, with activities in the areas of music, radio, journalism, web, art and sports. 2. Possible involvement of testimonials who have experienced hardship or deviance and have successfully redeemed themselves. Initiatives are also planned with for-profit entities to facilitate the social reintegration of young people leaving prison. As the project evolved, the intervention was expanded to include the involvement of prison workers and officers, fostering a more effective dialogue within the prison environment. In addition, the project was extended to the Catanzaro IPM, where the need was found for an intervention similar to that already planned for Beccaria. Project activities will be implemented according to the following breakdown: IPM Beccaria (duration 20 months): 60 young inmates sensitized and informed 50 young inmates involved in psychosocial workshops 20 prison workers and officers accompanied with psychosocial workshops 3 young inmates supported with post-prison orientation paths IPM Catanzaro (duration 12 months): 20 young inmates sensitized and informed 15 young inmates involved in psychosocial workshops 12 prison workers and officers accompanied with psychosocial workshops The “Chance” project is an important recovery and reintegration opportunity for juvenile detainees, offering them concrete tools to understand their own path and build a different future. Details Location: Milan and Catanzaro Association: Terre des Hommes Foundation Beneficiaries: 60 young inmates and 20 operators for the Beccaria IPM; 20 young inmates and 12 operators for the Catanzaro IPM Contribution: 227,000 euros Period: January 2025 - August 2026
