Post-penitentiary help

Staying in a prison or pretrial detention center is a difficult experience. The end of serving a sentence and the long-awaited release can also be very stressful. Even before leaving the facility, questions may arise: where will I go? Where will I live? How will I adjust to life outside prison?

These concerns are valid- we know that the stress associated with leaving the institution is considerable, many people have nowhere to go, struggle to find a job, and may be at risk of homelessness and social exclusion.

To help such people return to society, there are post-penitentiary assistance centers which provide support after incarceration. Such centers provides accommodation, food, legal assistance for handling personal matters, therapy, and a readaptation program.

The Silesian Blue Cross Foundation runs such a center at Bystrzańska 51a, Bielsko-Biała as well as a branch in Paderewskiego 3, Pszczyna a place also known as the House of the Blue Cross Mother Eva.

Post-penitentiary assistance is provided within the structure of the Readaptation Center. It is co-financed by the Justice Fund, which is managed by Minister of Justice.