NCJ Number
239297
Journal
Criminology & Criminal Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2012 Pages: 129-147
Date Published
April 2012
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study focused on prisoner resettlement in government policy in England and Wales.
Abstract
In recent years there has been an increased focus on prisoner resettlement in government policy in England and Wales. Two contrasting trends have been evident. Post-release supervision in the form of enhanced monitoring and surveillance for offenders on statutory license has grown significantly, while post-release support and provision for adult short-sentence prisoners has been minimalist and remains non-mandatory. This article will examine the problematized status of resettlement in terms of: (a) differentiated meaning; and (b) policy formulation and application. It is argued that 'resettlement' attracts many key assumptions and that societal expectations of what can be achieved may be ideationally and conceptually flawed. The discussion centers on both theoretical connections and uncertainties, together with the respective policy implications. An indicative schema of ex-prisoner reentry is outlined for further analytical exploration and critique. 'Reentry', a 'buzzword' in the USA, is preferred for this schema rather than 'resettlement' which is the favored term in England and Wales. (Published Abstract)