(ANS – Madrid – October 15, 2026) – On October 13, a delegation from the Salesian Social Platforms met in Madrid with Ángel Luis Ortiz González, secretary-general of Spain’s Prison Service. They presented the work carried out by Salesian organizations with young people deprived of their liberty and highlighted the educational teams that make this work possible.
The meeting took place at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of Penitentiary Institutions. Ángel Luis Ortiz González, accompanied by two members of his team, welcomed the following representatives:
- Jota Llorente, national coordinator of the Salesian Social Platforms;
- Ester Muñoz, director of Social and Educational Action at the Don Bosco Salesian Social Foundation (Fundación Don Bosco Salesianos Social);
- Cristina Martínez, head of Social and Educational Action at FISAT Salesianos Social; and
- Roberto Trujillo, from the Development and Planning Department of the National Coordination.
A Story That Began in the Prisons of Turin
For the Salesians, supporting young people in prison is not simply another project; it lies at the heart of their charism. Shortly after his ordination to the priesthood, St. John Bosco visited the prisons of Turin with St. Joseph Cafasso. There, he encountered young people imprisoned alongside adults, with no one to welcome them upon their release. That experience shaped his educational approach: prevention rather than repression, and support before, during, and after imprisonment.
The delegation explained that Don Bosco’s vision remains relevant today. Three out of every 10 people deprived of their liberty in Spain are under 30 years old and need support tailored to their age, circumstances, and way of communicating.
The central message of the meeting was the importance of recognizing the work of those who dedicate themselves to this mission every day. Social educators, psychologists, social workers, and volunteers visit correctional facilities week after week. They know each young person by name and remain present when the time comes for them to leave.
What Salesian Organizations Are Already Doing in Prisons
The delegation reviewed the work currently being carried out by Salesian organizations in 13 prisons and social reintegration centers across Andalusia, the Valencian Community, and the Community of Madrid. Together, these organizations support nearly 600 people, both during their incarceration and throughout their journey toward social reintegration.
Don Bosco Salesian Social Foundation (Andalusia)
Since 2019, the foundation has worked with young people in prison, focusing on their integration into the workforce and supporting their families. Its programs operate at Córdoba Prison; the Carlos García Valdés Social Integration Center in Málaga; the Evaristo Martín Nieto Social Integration Center; Puerto III Prison in Cádiz; and Jaén Prison.
During the 2025–2026 period, the foundation supported 459 participants through several programs:
- Rondó, which helps young people develop social and emotional skills;
- Reincorpora, which focuses on raising awareness among businesses. In Córdoba alone, the program supported 91 people;
- Rondó Familias, which helps maintain family relationships during incarceration; and
- Travesías, which offers programs for social and vocational reintegration.
The foundation also organizes recreational activities in prison alongside young inmates and has completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage with a group of young people facing legal difficulties.
Its work has received recognition through the Silver Medal for Social Merit in Prisons in Córdoba in 2025 and the Bronze Medal of Penitentiary Institutions at Puerto III in 2026.
FISAT Salesianos Social (Valencian Community)
FISAT’s work began in 1986 with the Martes Group, founded by Salesian priest Fr. Ángel Tomás in Torrefiel to support families affected by heroin addiction.
Since 1993, a group of volunteers has visited Picassent Prison twice a month on Saturdays. In 2005, the organization began supporting inmates in the third phase of their sentences at the Social Integration Center in Valencia.
FISAT also works to prevent relapse and participates in COEP-CV, a network of organizations working in the prison sector in the Valencian Community.
Pinardi (Community of Madrid)
The Pinardi Federation of Social Platforms has supported work placements at the Victoria Kent Social Integration Center since 2015 through the Reincorpora program.
Through its Travesías initiative, Pinardi is also active at the Victoria Kent and Josefina Aldecoa Social Integration Centers, as well as at Madrid II and Madrid IV prisons.
Leave Programs and an Outing in Development
The meeting also provided an opportunity to present Travesías, a national program led by the National Coordination of Salesian Social Platforms and implemented by the Don Bosco Salesian Social Foundation, FISAT, and the Pinardi Federation of Social Platforms. The program’s results have exceeded its established targets, and its continuation was discussed during the meeting.
The delegation emphasized a central principle: the path to freedom begins before release. Without employment, housing, or a support network, freedom can be fragile. For this reason, it is essential to connect each person with resources in their local community before release, including social and employment services, family support, and community networks.
The organizations offered the General Secretariat their Salesian experience in working with young people and their strong community ties. They also highlighted their ability to provide support through temporary leave arrangements, day-release programs, and social reintegration initiatives, as well as supported housing and connections to employment and family life.
Source: Salesianos.info