Laure Garnier
Inclusion

Laure Garnier

DirectorSPILE - Sortir de prison, intégrer l'entreprise

Why Offer a Second Chance to Former Inmates and Justice-Involved Individuals Through Work?

10:35·3 March 2025

This article was automatically translated from its original Français version. Read the original

Laure Garnier is the director of the SPILE association, which aims to help former inmates reintegrate into the workforce in the Île-de-France region. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneurs committed to combating recidivism through employment, SPILE also seeks to raise awareness among other companies about supporting justice-involved individuals through work.

SPILE supports a diverse group of individuals, from those in detention centers with sentences of less than 2 years to those serving longer sentences, from inside to outside and beyond.

The individuals are referred by the prison administration, which identifies those who are ready to consider employment, as their professional project is one of the key pillars of reintegration. This is where SPILE steps in.

The association is dedicated to helping them explore their desires or uncover their skills by introducing them to professions they may not know, allowing them to open up to new horizons, and connecting them with partner companies.

It is also essential to restore a lot of confidence and desire in individuals who have often not had the opportunity to reveal themselves, to show everything they can do, because we haven't sufficiently supported their potential and valued them,” explains Laure Garnier. “The release from detention is an extremely challenging moment, and if one does not have a supportive environment, it is harder to move in a new direction. For that, a tremendous amount of strength and willpower is needed. Work allows one to realize that they are capable. Through work, one can find peace. It is not the only path, but it is a major pillar of this reintegration.”

SPILE also raises awareness among companies about the importance of hiring women and men who are released from detention and the significance of offering a second chance.

Florence Jaillet
impact.info journalist
Published on 3 March 2025
Photo credit — Arnaud Scheid / M6