Probation hostels’ (Approved Premises) contribution to public protection, rehabilitation and resettlement
| Author | Laura Doggett |
| Published date | 01 December 2017 |
| Date | 01 December 2017 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0264550517740997b |
| Subject Matter | Research & reports |
approach, incorporating biological, social and psychological factors related to
criminogenic need.HORIZON is the new programme for medium risk offenders and
KAIZEN will be the treatment programme for high and very high risk offenders.
Impact Evaluation of the Prison-Based Core Sex offender Treatment Programme,by
Aiden Mews, Laure di Bella and Mark Purver; Ministry of Justice Analytical Series
2017. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/impact-eva
luation-of-the-prison-based-core-sex-offender-treatment-programme
Olivia Henry
National Probation Service (South West)
Probation hostels’ (Approved Premises) contribution to
public protection, rehabilitation and resettlement
This thematic inspection aimed to consider how well probation hostels’ contribute to
their aims of managing risk of harm, rehabilitation and resettlement since Trans-
forming Rehabilitation. Inspections were completed within 10 hostels across all
National Probation Service (NPS) divisions in England between January and March
2017; these included PIPEs (Psychologically Informed and Planned Environments),
independent and female hostels. Interviews were completed with a number of staff,
alongside observations and case reviews.
The report concludes that, overall, probation hostels are performing well, par-
ticularly in protecting the public and managing risk. There was room for improve-
ment with regards to resettlement and rehabilitation; female hostels, independently
managed hostels and PIPEs were consistently rated higher than NPS hostels in their
rehabilitative efforts and work towards independent living. Identified good practice
should inform the whole estate to improve the effectiveness of placements at all
approved premises. The recommendations are summarized below:
Recommendations for the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) include:
A probation hostel policy statement should be developed.
It was noted that no current hostel policy existed, and the most recent guidance
was included in probation instruction 32/2014, issued in June 2014. A revised
policy should focus on high risk of serious harm offenders (including medium risk
females), who have complex needs and are in the process of transition from custody
to the community; capacity issues, type and distribution should also be included.
Recommendations for the MoJ and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
(HMPPS) include:
Reduce the number of out of area hostel placements, where appropriate.
Collect data regarding the use of hostel places, service quality and outcomes
to help improve effectiveness.
Help support effective working with residents using video-conferencing, per-
sonality disorder pathway programmes and facilities contracts that encour-
age and promote independent living.
Research & reports 427
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