Acireale IPM

The Juvenile prison of Acireale (hereafter referred to as “Acireale IPM”) is one of four juvenile detention facilities in the Sicilian region, located a few kilometers from the city of Catania. Situated just outside the urban centre, the facility maintains strong ties with the surrounding community. Managed by the Department of Juvenile Justice under the Ministry of Justice, Acireale IPM forms part of a national network of 17 small-scale facilities intended as a residual measure within the broader juvenile justice system.

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SMALL-SCALE

Although the official capacity is 20, the effective capacity is 17 due to the unavailability of one room.

SMALL-scale

Although the official capacity is 20, the effective capacity is 17 due to the unavailability of one room.

Acireale IPM is a:

Youth facility

for:

20 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

Acireale IPM is a:

Youth facility

for:

20 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

Acireale IPM is a:

Youth facility

for:

20 PEOPLE,
Men

Indicated principles:

Community-integrated, Differentiated, Small-scale

DIFFERENTIATION

Admission to juvenile detention facilities in Italy is based on age and legal responsibility, typically including individuals aged between 14 and 18, and in some cases extending to 25. Placement in an IPM is considered when less restrictive alternatives are not deemed appropriate. There is no physical separation between minors and young adults within the facility. While this presents certain challenges, the intergenerational dynamic can also provide opportunities for positive peer influence and mutual support.

The Acireale IPM offers a range of activities. These include artistic workshops in painting and ceramics, although they do not currently lead to formal certification. In-house work tasks, such as gardening, cooking, and cleaning, are also part of daily life but are not structured within recognised vocational training programmes. A small number of residents are involved in external work placements under Article 21 of the Penitentiary Law.

COMMUNITY-INTEGRATION

Acireale IPM maintains close ties with the surrounding community. Several local organizations and volunteers are actively involved in the facility’s activities, providing cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities for the boys. The long-standing relationship with the Papa Giovanni XXIII association, which manages a residential community used by the boys when on leave or for other needs, is particularly significant, providing valuable support to the juveniles and staff. Additionally, Libera, an organization dedicated to legal education and anti-mafia activities, conducts legal education programs within the facility. Volunteers also play a crucial role in the juveniles’ education and social activities, for example in leading reading courses. The presence of volunteers and the strong ties with the local community help to create a more supportive and enriching environment for the juveniles in conflict with the law.

Differentiation

Admission to juvenile detention facilities in Italy is based on age and legal responsibility, typically including individuals aged between 14 and 18, and in some cases extending to 25. Placement in an IPM is considered when less restrictive alternatives are not deemed appropriate. There is no physical separation between minors and young adults within the facility. While this presents certain challenges, the intergenerational dynamic can also provide opportunities for positive peer influence and mutual support.

The Acireale IPM offers a range of activities. These include artistic workshops in painting and ceramics, although they do not currently lead to formal certification. In-house work tasks, such as gardening, cooking, and cleaning, are also part of daily life but are not structured within recognised vocational training programmes. A small number of residents are involved in external work placements under Article 21 of the Penitentiary Law.

Community-integration

Acireale IPM maintains close ties with the surrounding community. Several local organizations and volunteers are actively involved in the facility’s activities, providing cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities for the boys. The long-standing relationship with the Papa Giovanni XXIII association, which manages a residential community used by the boys when on leave or for other needs, is particularly significant, providing valuable support to the juveniles and staff. Additionally, Libera, an organization dedicated to legal education and anti-mafia activities, conducts legal education programs within the facility. Volunteers also play a crucial role in the juveniles’ education and social activities, for example in leading reading courses. The presence of volunteers and the strong ties with the local community help to create a more supportive and enriching environment for the juveniles in conflict with the law.

the national Department of Juvenile Justice

Acireale IPM

Report Acireale IPM

English report

Visited by Antigone (June 2023)

RESCALED

the national Department of Juvenile Justice

Acireale IPM

Report Acireale IPM

Report

Visit

Visited by Antigone (June 2023)

WISH-EU

the national Department of Juvenile Justice

Acireale IPM

Report Acireale IPM

Report

Visited by Antigone (June 2023)

RESCALED