| The work of Förderverein gegen Jugendgewalt e.V. [Friends against Youth Violence] is directed at young people between the ages of 14 and 21, who are on the edge of starting a criminal career or already have committed offences. Via the project “Prisoners help youngsters Schleswig-Holstein” they have the chance of getting to know the negative effects of violence and crime and seeing the severe consequences of drifting into a life of crime. The special feature of this project is that prisoners “inside” take up contact with adolescents “outside”. The Friends’ team focuses on a dialogue on the spot between delinquent youths and selected, responsible inmates who have since regretted their past action. |
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The visit to the prison really shakes the young people up. They can see at first hand that time spent in a correctional facility means going to your personal limits: former friends of inmates often abandon them, future job prospects are also very poor. It is made clear to the young people that they have to think seriously about their own life and their future. This thought-provoking impulse should make it clear that a life without violence and crime can offer more prospects. The Auerbach Foundation supports this association so that the youngsters can be shown ways of dealing with conflicts positively and without violence. |