NCJ Number
44223
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Dated: (1977) Pages: 124-130
Date Published
1977
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A RESIDENTIAL AND DAY CENTER PROGRAM FOR EX-OFFENDERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS AT RISK IN EXETER, DEVON, ENGLAND, IS DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE OAKFIELDS PROJECT IS A MULTIPURPOSE RESIDENTIAL CENTER FOR EX-OFFENDERS. THE PROJECT ALSO PROVIDES A DAY CENTER FOR OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO ARE ISOLATED OR AT RISK. FACILITIES INCLUDE TEN LONG-STAY PLACES FOR HOMELESS MEN AND WOMEN, A CRISIS UNIT FOR YOUNGER OFFENDERS, AND A SEPARATE GROUP OF APARTMENTS FOR LONG-TERM RESIDENTS OF THE HOSTEL. THE PROJECT OPERATES WORKSHOPS FOR RESIDENTS AND NONRESIDENTS AND PROVIDES HANDICAPPED ADULTS FROM THE LOCAL MENTAL HOSPITAL WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO GARDENING WORK. WORKSHOP PRODUCTS ARE SOLD TO LOCAL RESIDENTS. THE OAKFIELDS PROJECT ATTEMPTS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO SHARE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE HOSTEL AND TO GAIN ACCEPTANCE AND STATUS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, THUS REVERSING THE COMMON TENDENCY OF HOSTELS TO RESEMBLE LARGER, TOTAL INSTITUTIONS IN THEIR ORGANIZATION AND REGIME. THE HOSTEL RELIES ON THE SERVICES OF VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND ON THE HOSTEL RESIDENTS' CONTRIBUTIONS OF TIME AND TALENTS.