NCJ Number
223217
Date Published
2007
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the importance of housing, and linked support, for women offenders, summarizes United Kingdom evidence on the housing and support needs of women ex-offenders, and assesses the extent to which the Supporting People (SP) program has succeeded in improving planning and provision for this group.
Abstract
From the information collected, it would appear that Supporting People (SP) has had a positive impact in its introduction of a new integrated funding framework and the strengthening of cross agency partnerships. However, variance in pre existing provision, and the heightened political profile of provision at the local level, has created widespread problems in securing appropriate resource for ex-offenders. If the SP program is to meet its potential and to make a real contribution to meeting the housing and support needs of women ex-offenders in the United Kingdom, the following needs to be developed as a matter of urgency: best practice and gender sensitive models of needs assessment; collaborative arrangements across local authorities, and with the voluntary sector; and strengthened civic and professional leadership with and on behalf of women ex-offenders. This chapter presents a comprehensive account of research that examines the pivotal role of housing and associated support for women after prison, providing a cross-national perspective on how these services support the reintegration into their communities of women who offend. In examining the critical importance of housing, it explores the impact of SP on planning and provision for women ex-offenders. Notes, references