Brigadier Stara‘s Pivotal Role: Transforming Juvenile Offenders Through Trust and Responsibility

Brigadier Stara, a senior officer at the Beccaria Juvenile Detention Center, played a transformative role in the lives of young offenders by entrusting them with responsibility and fostering a sense of purpose. His approach, highlighted in Andrea Franzoso’s book “I Was a Bully,” showcases how even the most troubled youth can find redemption through structured work and mentorship, offering a compelling model for juvenile rehabilitation programs.

The “Ordinary manufactured Maintenance” initiative

Stara managed the “Ordinary Manufactured Maintenance” (MOF) program, assigning inmates to essential tasks such as painting, cleaning, and reorganizing warehouses. Inmates earned five euros per hour, which they could use to purchase hygiene products, food, or drinks within the prison. More importantly,these “workers,” as they were called,gained mobility and interacted with suppliers and internal services,fostering a sense of normalcy and responsibility.

Did You Know? In 2023, the Prison Policy Initiative reported that approximately 55,000 youth under age 18 are held in juvenile facilities in the United States, highlighting the need for effective rehabilitation programs.

selecting Inmates for Responsibility

These roles were typically reserved for inmates who had demonstrated good conduct. Daniel, initially a