Prison & Last Bell kids: the underlying problems and challenges
Why do our kids go to prison? Why is it so hard for them to get a clean start when they’re finally released?
It begins well before graduation from the orphanage. When kids grow up in an institution with hundreds of other kids and few caretakers, they learn very little about how to be successful once they have some freedom. They often don’t learn study skills, a good work ethic, how to talk to adults or solve problems, how to ask for what they need, how to relate to other people, how to behave appropriately in social situations, how to budget and spend money wisely, how to fill out paperwork, how to have self-control, and a host of other necessary skills for living independently.
After graduation from the orphanage, even if they are living at a trade school, which provides some semblance of structure, our kids – boys especially – often start getting into trouble. They borrow money to buy things they want and then can’t pay it back. The people they owe might get them into a fight or some other kind of trouble; so in order not to get beat up, they steal to pay back the debt. They’re typically arrested for theft. Without anyone to stand for them in court, they’re often given long sentences, especially if it’s not a first offense.
Our oldest kids from the Shelter program were graduating from local orphanages before Last Bell really existed and before we were able to start providing life skills classes. So some of our oldest kids, including those who have been in prison for several years, didn’t have any support at all until after graduation.
Once one of our boys is in prison, he’s surrounded by a system of gambling, theft, and pay-offs – just like on the outside. It’s hard for him not to take part in what everyone else is doing.
We’ve shared about the way families function in Ukraine: extended families provide housing for young couples to live with their children; families take food, medicine and even surgical supplies to patients in the hospital; families take food and other supplies to prisoners. So our guys are really dependent on the Last Bell staff for help.
In prison, the food is poor, and sometimes conditions can be very poor – for example, they might not have enough blankets or warm clothing. The prisoners themselves sometimes have to pay for wood to heat the building, and if one person can’t do his part, others make life difficult for him. Prisoners have to pool money to make repairs. Last Bell staff have learned it’s best not to give our boys money directly, but they try to help in every way they can.
Andre Pankyeyev frequently talks to and visits these guys, bringing food and clothes. Even though cell phones are prohibited, most prisoners have one anyway, and they can call whenever they wish. They often just need to hear another voice on the line – to know someone will be there waiting when they get out. So Andre or the staff often talk to these boys on the phone as well.
But they need the most assistance when they get out of prison. First their basic needs must be met: clothing and someplace to sleep.
Then they need guidance and direction so they don’t fall back into old crowds and old ways. There are a lot of temptations for them once they get out of prison.
Then they need help entering rehab, a work program, or an apprenticeship, or just help finding a job. They need someone to vouch for them. Even with help, this is still difficult for our boys: they begin with an orphan stigma, and after release they carry another stigma. It’s difficult for anyone in Ukraine to find a job, let alone an orphan ex-con.
They also often need help finding the appropriate documents: passport and registration (proof of residence), both required in order to work or find a place to live. They need legal help to replace these if they’ve been lost. They often need a legal place to call home before they can get these documents and begin to work.
Please pray for our boys and for the staff caring for them. There are so many opportunities to offer practical help and unconditional love to these boys with such extensive needs!
Once one of our boys is in prison, he’s surrounded by a system of gambling, theft, and pay-offs – just like on the outside. It’s hard for him not to take part in what everyone else is doing.
We’ve shared about the way families function in Ukraine: extended families provide housing for young couples to live with their children; families take food, medicine and even surgical supplies to patients in the hospital; families take food and other supplies to prisoners. So our guys are really dependent on the Last Bell staff for help.
In prison, the food is poor, and sometimes conditions can be very poor – for example, they might not have enough blankets or warm clothing. The prisoners themselves sometimes have to pay for wood to heat the building, and if one person can’t do his part, others make life difficult for him. Prisoners have to pool money to make repairs. Last Bell staff have learned it’s best not to give our boys money directly, but they try to help in every way they can.
Andre Pankyeyev frequently talks to and visits these guys, bringing food and clothes. Even though cell phones are prohibited, most prisoners have one anyway, and they can call whenever they wish. They often just need to hear another voice on the line – to know someone will be there waiting when they get out. So Andre or the staff often talk to these boys on the phone as well.
But they need the most assistance when they get out of prison. First their basic needs must be met: clothing and someplace to sleep.
Then they need guidance and direction so they don’t fall back into old crowds and old ways. There are a lot of temptations for them once they get out of prison.
Then they need help entering rehab, a work program, or an apprenticeship, or just help finding a job. They need someone to vouch for them. Even with help, this is still difficult for our boys: they begin with an orphan stigma, and after release they carry another stigma. It’s difficult for anyone in Ukraine to find a job, let alone an orphan ex-con.
They also often need help finding the appropriate documents: passport and registration (proof of residence), both required in order to work or find a place to live. They need legal help to replace these if they’ve been lost. They often need a legal place to call home before they can get these documents and begin to work.
Please pray for our boys and for the staff caring for them. There are so many opportunities to offer practical help and unconditional love to these boys with such extensive needs!