A place to call home: perspectives on offender community reintegration
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore offenders’ experiences of community reintegration facilitated by a supported housing scheme.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were derived from five semi-structured interviews with prolific offenders who were participating in a UK “north west housing association” scheme; a community reintegration programme for offenders released from prison.
Findings
Thematic analysis demonstrated four predominant themes, these were: “the decision to change”, “self-fulfilment”, “a place to call home” and “a suitable support system”. The themes are discussed in relation to the Good Lives Model.
Practical implications
Participation in the housing scheme was a key component of the reintegration process, which positively facilitated lifestyle change.
Originality/value
This research considers the often “unheard” perspectives of prolific offenders and highlights the significant role of community housing schemes in supporting successful community reintegration.
Keywords
Citation
Tarpey, E. and Friend, H. (2016), "A place to call home: perspectives on offender community reintegration", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 283-291. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-06-2016-0027
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited