Centro de Progressão Provisória de Franco da Rocha

What if walls could talk? The walls of Centro de Progressão Provisória de Franco da Rocha have witnessed a lot. This detention center, located on Estrada Edgard Maximo Zambotto, has a layered history. Originally a FEBEM facility, it was transformed into the Centro de Detenção Provisória (CDP) in 2004. It now houses those awaiting trial, adding to the complex narrative etched into its very foundation. The CDP began by absorbing inmates from Cajamar and Francisco Morato. Then, it started receiving detainees from the capital. The CDP was designed to hold 864 individuals. A 2017 report revealed it operating at 120% capacity, highlighting the strain on the system. Inside, the lack of space dictates a rigid hierarchy. New arrivals often sleep on the floor, while those with seniority claim the beds. Beyond the overcrowding, the women at the CDP face limited access to work and education. This reality underscores the challenges of pre-trial detention. However, the story of Franco da Rocha’s prison system is not just one of overcrowding and hardship. The Centro de Progressão Penitenciária (CPP) offers a glimpse into rehabilitative efforts. Here, a project called “Plantando Saúde” connects inmates with the land. Since 1990, the prison garden has been a source of fresh produce. In 2013, it became a cornerstone of the CPP’s resocialization programs. Inmates cultivate a variety of vegetables, learning valuable skills and contributing to the prison’s food supply. The “Plantando Saúde” project, run by a dedicated agent named Toninho, aims to instill a love for the earth and empower inmates with a vision for the future. Even amidst the challenges, stories of resilience and hope emerge from within the walls of Centro de Progressão Provisória de Franco da Rocha.