Double Trouble?: Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Offenders' Experiences of Resettlement

• NCJ Number: 238897
• Author(s): Jessica Jacobson; Coretta Phillips; Kimmett Edgar
• Date Published: November 2010
• Length: 56 pages
• Corporate Author: Prison Reform Trust
• Sale Source: Prison Reform Trust
• Publication Format: Document; Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This British study of the resettlement (reentry) needs of ex-inmates from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) groups addressed how their needs differ from non-BAME ex-inmates, BAME offenders' experiences of resettlement services, and whether specialist resettlement services should be made available for BAME offenders.

Abstract

The 113 BAME prisoners and ex-prisoners who participated in this study predominantly spoke of resettlement needs as generic (common to all offenders) rather than ethnically specific. Among these needs, housing and employment were the most crucial, and financial needs were also frequently mentioned as critical, which was usually linked to employment status. Some respondents spoke of the importance of healthcare, especially mental health services, and the management of drug or alcohol problems. Many respondents noted the vital part that supportive families and a commitment to family responsibilities play in the resettlement process. Regarding personal attitudes, respondents mentioned focus and motivation as the foundation for making a successful resettlement transition. Social acceptance and inclusion was a condition respondents indicated was important in building self-esteem and the development of positive behaviors. Many of the BAME ex-prisoners indicated implicitly or explicitly that racial discrimination within or outside the criminal justice system has repercussions for an individual's capacity to obtain employment, have access to support services, or otherwise meet his/her needs upon leaving custody. The authors conclude that existing generic provisions for resettlement should be reformed to make them more relevant and accessible to BAME offenders. The anticipated cutback in financial resources makes it particularly important to ensure that these cutbacks do not have a disproportionate impact on BAME offenders. The study methodology had two elements: a literature review and fieldwork that involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 113 BAME individuals (65 in prison, 28 on parole, 20 ex-inmates no longer on parole). Appended reflections on the experience of doing peer research, interview questions for prisoners, and data on parole for 2008