IPRT promotes rehabilitation and social integration as central concerns of Irish penal policy.
Incarceration often damages the prisoner’s social functioning, therefore contributing to his or her return to offending following release. Studies have shown that imprisonment has a damaging effect on the mental health of the prisoners, and can impair the ability to function in the outside world; prisoners can become institutionalised and therefore unable to live outside of the prison environment.
Imprisonment also carries with it profound negative social impacts on the prisoner’s family and on his or her community, and often the consequences of even a short period of imprisonment are permanent for both the prisoner and those close to him. Research has shown that those communities to which most ex-prisoners return are those characterised by high levels of deprivation and least able to cope with their re-entry. IPRT believes that imprisonment can exacerbate such difficulties within such communities.
In this context, IPRT believes that appropriate preparation for release and post-release support play an important role in the successful return of former prisoners to their families, communities and the wider society. Two elements should always be considered: preparation during the course of the sentence (‘sentence-planning’) and coordinated support post-release. Preparation for release while still in prison should consider not only equipping prisoners with essential skills (such as work skills), but should also include making connections with the prisoner’s family and/or community outside of the prison environment, for example through the use of periods of temporary release.
IPRT believes that post-release support is crucial in the successful re-integration, and should link the former prisoner not only with potential employment opportunities but also with appropriate services in the community, for example with mental health services or substance abuse support groups. It should also consider support for prisoners’ families.
29th March 2010
With prisons under severe pressure from overcrowding, the government must take urgent steps to tackle the challenge of prisoner rehabilitation. This is the message at the heart of The Learning Prison, a new report that draws on the research of the RSA’s Prison Learning Network.
19th March 2010
The Guardian reports on a new initiative which will see private investors pay for a project to rehabilitate prisoners and receive a return on their money if reoffending rates drop.
4th March 2010
In light of Jon Venables' return to prison, how must we assess the ability of offenders to rehabilitate and reintegrate?
26th February 2010
The provision of families workshops in prison is providing many men with real incentives to change their lives.
26th February 2010
Interviews with young offenders in St. Patrick's Institutions reveal their opinions on reoffending.
16th February 2010
Even when offenders have the courage to undertake a course in prison, there are many barriers to overcome
4th February 2010
A report introduced in the UK today puts skills and training at the forefront as the key to aiding reintegration and reducing re-offending.
18th January 2010
The Prince’s Trust is now looking for former offenders (with experience of prison) to be positive role models for young adults in custody.
12th January 2010
The Linkage Programme is a joint project between Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) and the Probation Service with support from IBEC, the Small Firms Association and ICTU.
29th October 2009
The launch of the publication by Barnados UK 'Every Night You Cry' in October 2009. The report looks at the impact of parental imprisonment on children.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.