Fresh start after imprisonment: prisoners find new life on the Ker Madeleine Farm

Fresh start after imprisonment: prisoners find new life on the Ker Madeleine Farm

In Saint-Gildas-des-Bois in the Loire-Atlantique, France, new seeds of hope are being sown: the Ker Madeleine Farm offers former prisoners an important bridge to reintegration into society. On a large area of ​​43 hectares, prisoners have the opportunity to prepare for life after prison and gain valuable experience. How Le Telegrams reports, the farm's goal is to avoid a "dry discharge" without support, as this significantly increases the risk of relapse.

Frédéric, a 43-year-old resident of the farm, is currently in external prison and has moved into a room on the farm since October 2023. His sentence ends in 2027. He faces the challenge of finding his way back into society without family ties or a home. The farm not only offers accommodation, but also comprehensive support from professionals who help prisoners find housing, a job and obtain a driver's license.

New perspectives through agricultural work

Working outdoors proves to be particularly valuable for the former prisoners. Anthony Pouliquen, director of Emmaüs Sources d’envol, explains that such activities can not only strengthen a sense of independence, but also restore confidence in one's own abilities. Alban, a 40-year-old participant in the program, demonstrates this impressively by preparing lunch together with a volunteer.

The farm has established itself as a kind of transition space, where men are housed for a few months to two years. Daily tasks are shared together to give residents a sense of responsibility. It is important to the team members that every person here is perceived as a resident. This change to new terminology is an important step towards successful reintegration.

Overcoming challenges

Before the farm opened in 2022, there were some concerns and protests from local residents, but these have now all been resolved. A review shows that no incidents have been reported on the farm for three years. This shows that the approach works and represents a positive development for everyone involved.

The support goes beyond just the living situation. Administrative processes such as applying for ID cards and solving health problems are also on the agenda. This comprehensive support ensures that the residents not only regain their freedom, but also receive the necessary tools for a self-determined life. Fermede Kermadeleine emphasizes how crucial it is to give former prisoners responsibility so that they can find their place in society.

With the increasing use of detention adjustments, in which electronic ankle bracelets are increasingly used, a significant increase in external releases can be expected from 2024. Reports like that of the Cour des comptes call for external placements and semi-freedom to be further strengthened in order to make the reintegration of prisoners more effective. In this light, Ker Madeleine Farm represents a valuable initiative that helps transform the lives of those who are often forgotten in society.

These efforts are not only important for individual prisoners, but also contribute to the overall security and stability of society. Successful reintegration reduces the relapse rate and ensures that the people admitted can lead an active and meaningful life again. The farm draws the right lessons from past experiences and provides a structure that is needed.