NCJ Number
64795
Date Published
1977
Length
117 pages
Annotation
A SUBJECTIVE ACCOUNT OF ESTABLISHING A HOUSING PROJECT FOR EX-PRISONERS IN ENGLAND IS PRESENTED. IT EMPHASIZES ATTITUDINAL, COMMUNICATION, AND PERSONAL ISSUES AND FINANCIAL-ACCOUNTABILITY MATTERS.
Abstract
THE REPORT OUTLINES PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE PROJECT'S COURSE AND PROPOSES REALISTIC AND RELEVANT SOLUTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES. THE HOUSING PROJECT WAS SET UP TO HELP EX-PRISONERS SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS AND REGAIN THEIR SELF-RESPECT. THE EMPHASIS WAS ON PEOPLE RATHER THAN EX-PRISONERS AS A CATEGORY. BY ALLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN MANAGING THEIR LIVES AND IN RUNNING THE HOSTEL, THE PROJECT HOPED TO OVERCOME PERSONAL DEGRADATION DUE TO IMPRISONMENT AND TO OPERATE THE HOSTEL IN THE LEAST BUREAUCRATIC AND MOST DEMOCRATIC WAY POSSIBLE. THE ONE PRINCIPLE ESTABLISHED FROM THE START WAS THAT THE HOSTEL SHOULD BE SELF-SUPPORTING FINANCIALLY, IF POSSIBLE. SETTING UP THE HOUSING SCHEME INVOLVED CONSIDERATIONS OF PROPERTY SELECTION, FUNDING, AND RESIDENTS AND STAFF. A LICENSE AGREEMENT WAS IMPORTANT IN THE LEGAL SENSE; UNLESS CONDITIONS WERE CLEARLY STATED IN WRITING FOR RESIDENTS UPON THEIR ARRIVAL TO THE HOSTEL, STAFF HAD NO LEGAL RIGHT TO ENFORCE CONDITIONS OR TO THREATEN RESIDENTS WITH EVICTION SHOULD THEY BREAK THEM. RELATING TO OTHERS WAS STRESSED AS A MEANS OF HELPING RESIDENTS BECOME REINTEGRATED; THIS ENCOMPASSED COOPERATION/CONFLICT CONCEPTS, PRISONS, THE PROBATION SERVICE, SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICES, THE ISLINGTON COUNCIL INVOLVED IN HOUSING PROVISION, OTHER VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE LAW. BASED ON EXPERIENCE GLEANED FROM THE HOUSING PROJECT, A DISCUSSION OF ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BY A HOSTEL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ARE NOTED (FINANCES, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESIDENT SELECTION, OBJECTIVES, AND PUBLIC RELATIONS). OTHER PROBLEMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN PROVIDING HOUSING SERVICES FOR EX-OFFENDERS ARE IDENTIFIED (ATTITUDES, MOTIVATION, COMMUNICATION, AND PERSONAL PROBLEMS). THE LONG-TERM RESOLUTION OF THESE ISSUES AND PROBLEM AREAS IS DISCUSSED. THE LICENSE AGREEMENT IS INCLUDED.