In June, “Bjørn” came out of prison after serving 12 years for murder. He came out to a completely new financial everyday life. Interest rate hikes and price increases make it very difficult for former inmates to make ends meet on the outside of the walls. – I have to be extremely thrifty and prioritize the most important things in order to make things work. I hardly ever buy clothes. The money I get from Nav just covers the rent, he says. In addition to ordinary expenses, he also pays compensation to the victim’s survivors. – It’s not a good life, but I just have to make it. At first I looked at it very darkly. But I just have to take it one day at a time, says “Bjørn”, who is aware that there are others who are far worse off: – I can manage, but what about those who have families? “Bjørn” is struggling to make ends meet after he was released from prison. Photo: Iuliana Alexa / news – Starting at minus Debt collection expert Geir Grindland confirms that the situation is unusually tough for people who these days have to re-establish themselves in society. He points out that many who are released after serving their sentence often have significant debts that they have accumulated before they ended up in prison. Photo: Private – When families with regular jobs struggle, you can imagine what it’s like for those coming out of prison. They start at a loss, without a job to go to. Then it’s almost an impossible task to get things going, says Grindland. Even if the interest rate were to stabilize now, Grindland says that the collection peak has not been reached yet. – It will probably be even tougher in 2024. There are dark clouds on the horizon for many, not just for those who get out of prison, says Grindland. Back to crime Kristine Pedersen is a prison officer in Bergen prison and is close to the prisoners. She believes it is very important to help the inmates with their finances. She fears that the poor economy will make it easier to fall back into crime. – If the economy is just a mess, and you owe so much that you have no idea how to get money for food, it’s clear that someone thinks they can make money quickly by selling drugs, says Pedersen. He considers himself lucky. “Bjørn” has a roof over his head and has found a place to live. Others have it far worse, he points out. Photo: Iuliana Alexa / news “Bjørn” is well acquainted with this. – The correctional service does a fantastic job, but it doesn’t help much when no one is there to receive you after release. The inmates often have little or no family, and the only thing they have is a drug environment that is easy to fall back into. – I have seen many people who do well in prison, who fall apart as soon as they get out. Figures from the Directorate of Correctional Services show that 21 per cent are convicted of a new crime within two years of release and a whopping 30 per cent within five years. Offers courses in economics “Bjørn” has been in contact with Crux Kalfarhuset follow-up center since 2015, where people who want to get out of addiction and crime can get help. Environmental therapist in Crux and former prison officer Odd Øyvind Ueland says that there are many ex-convicts who are currently struggling due to extremely tough financial conditions. Environmental therapist Odd Øyvind Ueland says that many released people end up on the street with NOK 300 in their pockets and a plastic bag in their hand. Photo: Iuliana Alexa / news – These are tough times. The classic with NOK 300 in his pocket and a plastic bag in his hand is very real, says Ueland. Many of those Crux is in contact with need help to get their finances in order. Kalfarhuset has had courses in debt management and how to manage your own finances and budget. – Recently I was in contact with someone who was struggling with high debt. He was helped to contact the creditor, which helped a lot in the situation. But it was horrible for him and he couldn’t handle things alone, says Ueland. “Bjørn” is full of praise for the help he has received at Crux. – They look at you as a person, and not at what you have done, says Bjørn. – Accept offers of help Debt collection expert Grindland asks ex-prisoners to seize the opportunities for help that are available to avoid them giving up and falling back into crime. – My best advice is to contact the local office or a debt adviser in the municipality where you live. Book that appointment, says Grindland and adds: – They can help you set up a budget, find out how much you have to deal with and find a solution. “Bjørn” believes ex-prisoners must be good at accepting the help they can get in order not to end up back in crime and drug addiction. Photo: Iuliana Alexa / news The way forward “Bjørn” has now got an apartment through Nav and regularly participates in various events at Crux. In addition, he recently got a temporary job. – I looked at it very darkly at the beginning, and I know that many people have a hard time. But there are offers, and I hope more people take advantage of them, so that it will be easier to manage on the outside, he says.
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– Must be extremely frugal – news Vestland
