NCJ Number
136211
Date Published
1991
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This report considers Step Two's role in helping women ex-offenders in England resettle in the community by providing housing and longer term support.
Abstract
Much of the report is based on interviews and discussions with residents, staff, and housing providers. These were conducted in 1989 by Annie Golding during her 1-year student placement at Step Two. Step Two is part of NACRO Community Enterprises, Ltd, a housing association that currently manages 15 projects that provide 800 beds in England and Wales. Step Two is based in the belief that ex-offenders need adequate housing if they are going to resettle in the community successfully and avoid reoffending. Chapter 1 of this report provides an overall profile of Step Two's two houses for women. This includes the type of accommodation offered, referrals to the project, and the way staff works with residents to help them find their own housing and develop the skills required to live independently. Based on material from Annie Golding's interviews, chapter 2 considers residents' housing histories prior to Step Two and the experience of living there. Chapter 3 examines residents' expectations and understanding of the process of finding "move-on" accommodations, and it looks at the experience of an ex-resident living in her own home. Using the results of questionnaires sent to housing providers in the area, chapter 4 looks at what independent accommodation is available to women. Appended Step Two license agreement