Life experiences in the criminal justice system: foreign former foster youths in prison

• In Event: Criminology of Mobility. Panel 4. Ethnicity, crime and experiences in prison

Abstract

Spain is a host country for unaccompanied migrant children from the African continent. Thus, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure their protection and social integration. Preliminary exploratory research has revealed a significant presence of foreign former foster youths in prison; however, we do not have official statistics from penitentiary institutions regarding this matter. Bearing this in mind, the general objective of the JEPRAN research project (Former foster youths in Andalusian prisons) is to bring attention to the challenge faced by Andalusian and Spanish society in the inclusion of foreign former foster minors and to identify the social and legal dilemmas they face during the migratory process and transition to adulthood.

This presentation will focus on some of the results of the project related to the contact with the criminal justice system, as well as the experience of these young people during their stay in prison. The research reveals that foreign former foster youths enter prison at a very early age, most of them are in custody, and the crimes they commit are not serious offences. An issue of particular concern is that they report scarce access to treatment programs. In fact, the majority do not consider the penitentiary system to be a source of help in preparing for release.

Author

• Angie Steffania Rojas Varón, University of Malaga