Italian foster care program targets children of mobsters, offering a path away from crime.
In a strategic maneuver to dismantle the web of organized crime, a successful program that uproots children of incarcerated mobsters from their families is setting roots in Sicily, the island that birthed the notorious La Cosa Nostra.
Italian Judge Roberto Di Bella initiated the “Free to Choose” program in 2012, aiming to sever the long-standing cycle of criminality by placing these at-risk children in foster care. The program’s demonstrable effectiveness in southern Italy has paved the way for its execution in Sicily, where authorities aim to disrupt the mafia’s stranglehold on future generations.
Prior to “Free to Choose,” a life of crime was often predetermined for these children. Alarmingly young, some as young as seven, were forced to sell drugs, while others unknowingly aided their parents’ criminal activities.
The program has yielded encouraging results. Many children placed in foster care have blossomed in secure and nurturing environments, free from the mafia’s influence. Judge Di Bella himself witnessed a positive transformation in the children, noting a flicker of hope and a newfound ability to forge their own paths.
Initially met with skepticism, “Free to Choose” has surprisingly garnered support from some within the mafia itself. Over 30 wives of incarcerated mobsters have opted to join their children in state-funded housing, and one imprisoned boss even expressed appreciation to Judge Di Bella for saving his grandchildren from a life of crime.
This expansion into Sicily marks a significant milestone in the fight against the mafia. As Italy’s Justice Minister Carlo Nordio proclaimed, “This is a historic moment.” The program offers a chance to dismantle the generational inheritance of crime and empower children to choose a future filled with opportunity.
The program’s success hinges on offering these children positive alternatives. Safe and supportive foster homes provide a much-needed sense of stability and normalcy. These children are surrounded by positive role models who can instill values and morals that deviate from the criminal underworld. Additionally, the program equips them with educational opportunities and social support systems, fostering a sense of belonging and hope for a brighter future.
The expansion of “Free to Choose” to Sicily signifies a turning point in the fight against organized crime. By offering children of mobsters a chance to break free from the cycle of criminality, the program weakens the mafia’s grip on future generations and empowers them to choose a different path. This initiative presents a powerful message: that even in the face of entrenched criminal organizations, there is hope for redemption and a chance to forge a positive future.
