"Bona Fide Latvia"

Society Bona fide Latvia is non-profit organization whose aim is strengthening the capacities of former offenders to integrate into society and promote their formal and non-formal skills; developing their social capital and facilitate the accessibility of social services. The work of organization is also aimed to promote understanding of society of the causes of offenses, lessen the social exclusion and by seminars and discussions foster prevention of offenses of children and youth. Society The general work at the moment is done by mentoring for convicted persons in prisons. The volunteers of organization visit the prisons (currently three Latvian prisons), meet with convicted persons and supports them in their way back into society. The first time after several years inside institution is often critical for resocialization as hardships and isolation often lead to another crime of addictions. Therefore it is essential that someone acts as guide or assistant through most difficult phases, helping to find accommodation; communicate with social workers etc. Volunteers visit prison 2-3 times per month in each prison. Organization also facilitates seminars about causes of offenses and stereotypes about "criminals", showing that social exclusion and depravity often leads to crime and punishment which in turn leads to further social disadvantages and again - to new crimes and new victims. Some seminars and discussions are open to every participant, and some are conducted in schools and universities.