An evaluation of service provision for short-term and remand prisoners with drug problems
| DOI | 10.1177/0264550506055110 |
| Author | Ester Ragonese,Lol Burke,George Mair |
| Date | 01 June 2006 |
| Published date | 01 June 2006 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
An evaluation of service provision for
short-term and remand prisoners with
drug problems
Lol Burke, Liverpool John Moores University
George Mair, Liverpool John Moores University
Ester Ragonese, Liverpool John Moores University
Abstract The authors discuss the background and potential policy implications of
a research project evaluating community support services for released prisoners
with drug problems. They argue that while short-term and remand prisoners pose
particular problems, success with these groups in terms of dealing with their drug
misuse would offer clear benefits both to the community and to individual prisoners
themselves. Other problems, such as the complexities associated with partnership
working and the difficulties of bridging the prison/community divide are explored.
Keywords continuity of care, resettlement, short-term and remand prisoners
Introduction
It has long been acknowledged that the resettlement of prisoners into the
community is a key area for work aimed at reducing the risks of reoffending.
Indeed The Halliday Review (2001) and ‘Through the Prison Gate’ (HMIP, 2001)
clearly stated that not only was a framework needed to support the work of both
prison and community organizations, but there needed to be a focus on increased
collaboration if the aims of reducing offending and increasing community safety
were to be achieved. It is well documented that – despite an increased focus on
sentence planning and the involvement of the National Probation Service with
certain categories of prisoners – many inmates continue to leave custody with
inadequate or no support, therefore remaining at risk of reoffending and a risk to
the community. As Rod Morgan (2004) points out:
109
Probation Journal
The Journal of Community and Criminal Justice
Copyright © 2006 NAPO Vol 53(2): 109–123
DOI: 10.1177/0264550506055110
www.napo.org.uk
http://prb.sagepub.com
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