07 July 08 – Publication of DWP Research Report: High Hopes: Supporting ex-prisoners in their lives after prison
A study of the lives of ex-prisoners that focuses on employment experience and support services after release from prison is published by the DWP.
This study was commissioned to establish a stronger factual understanding of the barriers faced by ex-prisoners in the first few months after release from prison. The study centres on a longitudinal qualitative follow-up of 40 prisoners, charting their journey over 6 months. It focuses on their employment experience and support services, but also examines other aspects such as housing, finances and substance abuse.
The main findings are:
- Re-offending, substance abuse and housing problems were found to be closely entwined amongst the study sample.
- Employment status was more a reflection of circumstances in relation to substance misuse and housing, rather than criminal activity.
- Prisoners left prison with high hopes for their future plans which often fell apart when faced with the realities of sorting out their lives. The greatest need for support was just before release and in the period shortly following release when it becomes apparent that the hopes and plans may not work out.
- With support, some people in the study sample were able to make positive changes in their lives.
- For those whose expectations for finding work were unrealistic, they may have benefited from more help in dealing with the realities of the labour market, such as: advice on how to cope with or avoid multiple moves in and out of work, how to disclose criminal records, and how to accept that they may need to take jobs that they do not wish to do.
- Many who remained on benefits found financial management a continual struggle. Those who did not have family and friends to turn to for support suffered the most financial hardship. Moving into employment usually meant that people were better off.
Notes to Editors:
The study was based in four case study areas covering England, Scotland and Wales. The fieldwork commenced in February 2005 and was completed in February 2008. It involved:
- Three waves of in-depth interviews with forty male prisoners immediately before and twice after release;
- Interviews with service providers (ie Employment and Benefit Surgery advisers and housing/homeless agencies); and
- Focus groups with progress2work-LinkUP clients with offending backgrounds.
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Website: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5
Prepared by: Department for Work and Pensions Welfare to Work Directorate
