“We give everyone a chance”

For 31 years, the employees of “WEGE” have been looking after those released from prison in Wels and helping them to regain their footing. In shared apartments and their own apartments, they are supported by employees of the Caritas project and several volunteers in finding work, coping with everyday life and “resocialization”. Gottfried Boubenicek, who helped set up the project, recently retired. His successor Lisa Leeb, 33 years old, spoke to the Welser Zeitung about her work and its value for the general public.

That those released from prison receive help and support at all, is controversial – opponents argue that those affected brought themselves into this situation. Why are you helping?

Lisa Leeb: On the one hand, it is part of Caritas’ basic mission that we give everyone a chance – even those who are less respected by society. On the other hand, we catch people in critical situations so that they do not become homeless again or fall back into crime. So it’s also about the safety of society as a whole. Everyone benefits from this.

What are the challengesthat those released from prison struggle with in Austria?

Looking for a job is a big point, it was particularly difficult during the Corona period. People with long prison experience often have a certain age or health problems, which are also a hindrance on the job market. It’s often about relearning everyday things – weighing bananas in the supermarket or using a self-service checkout. The latter, for example, did not exist 20 years ago; technical innovations are often a major challenge. We also support those released from prison in finding a new social environment. Colleagues in particular are often a starting point.

What about the supply of childcare places and the demand?

In Wels we have twelve childcare places in the shared apartments in our main building and eight individual apartments that we rent out. There are also some clients who already live in their own apartments. In principle we are full and have a waiting list. Overall the location is fine, there are many facilities in this area. A large part has expanded in recent years because they have seen that the offer makes sense. In most cases, especially for people who have been in prison for longer periods, their move to us is planned well in advance. It’s pretty relaxed.

Which people can take advantage of the “WEGE” offer?

We have exclusion criteria, no acute drug addiction and no acute psychiatric illnesses. Applicants must also demonstrate that they are willing to provide care. We are not an emergency shelter, we provide care. For example, if someone has had an alcohol problem in the past, there are requirements such as regular alcohol testing. The judges usually take this as their instructions when dismissing them.

How long do clients stay on average?

We have a time frame of one year until the end of the probationary period, which is sometimes five years. Our social workers always work out a target agreement with those released from prison about what they want to achieve during their time with us.

Can be determined statisticallyHow successful is the work of “WEGE” in Wels?

Unfortunately not. When people move out of our home, we only know about those who keep in touch with us. If someone moves to Vienna and commits another crime there after three years, we won’t find out. But there are Austria-wide studies that confirm that the relapse rate decreases significantly with such aftercare offers.

Your job is certainly often psychologically stressful – why did you choose to work in this area?

I originally did victim work, but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. During my training as a social worker, I did an internship at “WEGE” and quickly realized that I liked it. We look after people for quite a long time. You are happy for them when they find a job or show off the apartment in which they have successfully lived for a year. This makes you realize that our work is meaningful.