Directory of Research

1. The Corston Report

The Corston Report is a review of vulnerable women in the criminal justice system carried out in 2006 by Baroness Jean Corston. The review made 43 recommendations about the treatment of women in the criminal justice system, and argued "the need for a distinct radically different, visibly-led, strategic, proportionate, holistic, woman-centred, integrated approach". Whilst the report focuses more generally on vulnerable female offenders, it recognises that a large proportion of these women are mothers, referring to the effects of imprisonment on their children, and recommending that these children are taken into consideration by the criminal justice system. For example, one recommendation suggests that primary carers of young children should only be remanded in custody after fully taking into account the impact on the children. The Corston report is useful for anyone considering the particular impact on children of having a mother in prison. See The Corston Report below: Click here

2. Families Do Matter

This is a report of the outcomes and recommendations of a number of projects run as part of a bid won from National Offender Management Service (NOMS) by the West Midlands. The pilot projects were run in prisons and later within wider communities across the area. The aim of the project was to provide evidence about the longer term impact of improved contact with children and families on rehabilitation, crime reduction and safer communities. The project also aimed to provide a partnership structure and environment for future collaborative multi/interagency work. The areas of focus and improvement were visits (the need for efficient data capturing, visitor facilities and family information), education (the need for consistency, accreditation and family involvement in parenting programmes) and community partnerships (the need for raised awareness of the "hidden sentence" and training around this, building partnerships, working with prisons, school policy and outreach). See Families Do Matter below: Click here

3. Poverty and disadvantage among prisoners' families

This study uses in depth qualitative interviews with family members to look into the impacts a custodial sentence has on families and how they respond to financial, emotional and social challenges. The study also conducts an evaluation on support services for families of prisoners. The report summarises that disadvantage associated with imprisonment included high rates of depression, physical illness and housing disruption. There are also key findings around financial instability, barriers to employment and child poverty. The report notes that maintaining family ties with the prisoner are financially draining despite families being officially recognised as key in prisoners' rehabilitation. The study also uncovers disadvantage with regard to families of foreign nationals who may have no access to public recourse and could face deportation. Conclusions are that a combination of criminal justice and social welfare policy puts children in particular into poverty, at a disadvantage and into exclusion with the main reason for this being welfare benefit dependence which amounts to below the Government poverty level. The study looks into the The New Deal for Lone Parents (a welfare to work initiative) and its failing to take responsibility of and priority given to care for Children with a family member in prison into account. The study also notes concern around the limitations of statutory and voluntary organisations (especially those based in the community) due to the commissioning aspect of the then emerging NOMS. See Poverty and Disadvantage below: Click here

4. Out for Good: taking responsibility for resettlement

This applied study looks at enabling prisoners to take responsibility for their own resettlement as a way of decreasing the high rates of re-conviction and aims to decipher what effective resettlement is. Discussion groups and interviews were conducted in nine prisons with prisoners, voluntary sector staff and the prison service. This study also draws on the Prisoner's Education Trust's Inside Time survey about prisoners' plans for resettlement. Findings show a positive impact on resettlement as a result of commitment from prison staff, as they worked with the prisoner to make responsible choices about resettlement. One of the six key aspects of this would be for prison staff and the prisoner to work around improved contact with family and more involvement of families in preparation for release. The report recommends that the Ministry of Justice should work inter-departmentally to put in place family support as this is critical to effective rehabilitation. For prison managers the report advocates sharing responsibility for resettlement, between staff and building links, with community based organisations who have knowledge in areas such as family support, housing and employment. Furthermore, the report recommends government to pilot a payment by results scheme which recognises the offender as responsible and active in their resettlement. See Out for Good below: Click here

5. Risk and protective factors in the resettlement of imprisoned fathers with their families

This Big Lottery funded study looks at resettlement of fathers. The article considers previous studies which have shown that parental imprisonment is a risk factor in the development in familial relationships and conversely considers the benefits to viewing families with strong ties as a resource for protecting children of prisoners and reducing reoffending. The study is the first longitudinal study in the UK and Europe to investigate the positive and negative outcomes for parents and children using data collected from them. It considers the quality of family relationships, contact during imprisonment, communication and problem solving, parenting and care-giving, social support networks, stigmatisation, finances, employment, housing, participation in support programmes, health issues, social behaviour and other factors. The aim of the research is to increase knowledge of such processes and to assist the National Offender Management Service and third sector to develop more effective interventions for imprisoned fathers, their (ex)partners and their children. See Risk and protective factors in the resettlement of imprisoned fathers below: Click here

6. The poor relations - Children and Informal kinship carers speak out

This Big Lottery Funded study focuses on under-researched groups of children and the kin carers who look after them when their parents are unable to (one reason being that their parent(s) are in prison). The official number of children in England referred by children's services to live with kin is less than 7,000. However, those living "informally" with friends or relative carers as privately arranged by family is estimated at 200-300,000 in England and Wales. The report looks at how well the needs of these children and their carers are met and examines what services or financial support may be needed to enhance the children's development and reduce negative impact on the family. The study looks at 2001 Census Data to analyse characteristics of children and kin care households. In addition standardised and measured interviews were conducted with 80 8-18 year olds, who live under informal kinship care, to uncover their views about what would make their outcomes better. Only 8% of children in this study have a parent in prison, however, many of the issues uncovered are the same across kinship caring households. Interviews were also conducted with the carers. The aim of the research for Buttle UK is to influence national policy and local practice to improve circumstances and outcomes for children and in turn their informal kinship carers. See The Poor Relations below: Click here