Public involvement in the re-socialisation process of correctional services, both in prisons and in the community, is also essential for the effective integration of ex-prisoners into society and the labour market. Prison administrations and the State Probation Service are implementing a voluntary work movement with current and former convicts.
Lack of support from family and community, a precarious financial situation and a low level of education are among the main factors that encourage people to re-offend. Thanks to ESF projects, re-socialisation measures have been developed and implemented to meet the needs of prisoners and the risks of criminal behaviour, giving them the opportunity to improve their quality of life and that of their loved ones.
Global experience shows that volunteering with offenders is an effective tool for their rehabilitation, and volunteers can therefore make an important contribution to promoting public safety. In Latvia, volunteering can be carried out both in and outside prisons.
Volunteers can engage in various forms of voluntary work - contributing to the development of education and work skills, realising useful leisure time, organising and implementing sports activities, supporting in overcoming addictions, strengthening family ties and addressing social issues. Volunteering is very varied and takes the initiative and willingness of the volunteer to offer his/her knowledge and experience to the prisoners - it can be lectures on different topics, or different types of activities - sports, art, languages, board games and other activities.
If you are interested in volunteering in prisons or with clients of the State Probation Service, visit the websites of the State Probation Service and the Prison Administration.
