Expert-by-experience with a history of crime
active 8 months agoExpert-by-experience with a history of crime – supporting desistance and inclusion
CHALLENGE:
Persons who are freed from the prison have severe difficulties in re-entering the society. They often fail to find and/or keep a job, are at severe risk of homelessness, and finally, often return to a criminal lifestyle. This vicious cycle leads to repeated rounds of imprisonment, which, in addition to personal losses, is also an economic burden to our society. These persons should be supported to learn and maintain a crime-free lifestyle. They need help to get/update their professional education and to find and keep employment. Social and health services support the most fundamental things, but as of today, these public services fall short of the problem.
SOLUTION:
KEIJO training program is designed and in use in Finland and helps the participants to maintain a crime-free lifestyle, and abstain from substance misuse. The training also gives the participants formal training to become Experts by Experience (EbE) with a history of crime. During the initial KEIJO project (2018-2020), 38 % of the newly trained EbEs found employment and, additionally, 15% of the participants continued to apprenticeship or continued their education. Furthermore, the KEIJO training program educates persons with a criminal history to help their peers, multiplying the positive social impact of the intervention.
LOOKING FOR:
. Higher Education Institutions (or similar) to apply and further develop our pedagogical model.
. Organizations that can link the education institution with persons with history of crime. These can be:
– Authorities that work with persons with a history of crime
– NGOs that support persons with a history of crime
CONTACT:
Dr. Karoliina Nikula
Karoliina.nikula@laurea.fi
tel. +358408365611
