Autumn activities in the pre-release unit

In the past period, the staff of the pre-release unit has continued to intensively focus on preparing sentenced prisoners for their return to normal life. The main goal was to help them manage the transition to freedom and reduce concerns about what awaits them after release. We mainly used individual interviews, counseling, and close cooperation with organizations outside the prison for this purpose.

A key partner for us has remained the civic association KAMBEK, o. z.. Together, we focused on the specific needs of individual sentenced prisoners, helped them address family relationships, and prepared them for independent living. The feedback this association provides us is very important. Thanks to it, we have an overview of how the released individuals are doing outside. The organization helps them primarily with finding stable housing and legal work, which are the two most important steps to break the cycle of recidivism.

To help the sentenced prisoners better navigate laws and finances, we organized several expert lectures for them. A major benefit was the meeting with representatives of the Legal Aid Centre (CPP), who explained how and when they can use free legal services; part of the meeting was an engaging lecture on personal bankruptcy. During the lecture, the sentenced prisoners learned how they can legally resolve their debts and executions after release, which gave them a real chance to start with a clean slate outside.

In addition to counseling, we also addressed practical matters that are essential for life in freedom. In total, seven sentenced prisoners were granted by the director of the remand prison and prison in Bratislava the institute of leaving the prison for the purpose of personal processing of a new identity card at the Client Centre of the Ministry of Interior of the SR.

At the same time, four other sentenced prisoners were allowed to spend time with their family members in the Medical Garden accompanied by staff. They used this extraordinary free time with their loved ones in the peaceful environment of the city park to strengthen family ties, which are crucial for their successful resocialization and future return to civil life.

All these activities and programs help sentenced prisoners overcome the initial shock after release. They teach them independence, lead them to personal responsibility, and create a stronger foundation for a successful start of a new life.