PrisonerActionNet Conference Families, Friends and Communities: Evidence and policy context Rebecca Endean Director of Analytical Services

Overview Introduction – MOJ strategic objectives Impact of imprisonment on families Other relationships Ongoing Research

Imprisonment has an impact on all members of the family Joint DCSF and MOJ review 2007 Children of prisoners are at risk of poorer outcomes Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction (MOJ, 2008) A fifth of newly sentenced prisoners (excluding those who were homeless) were living with dependent children at the time of imprisonment Resettlement surveys (Home Office, 2001, 2003, 2004) Family ties are correlated with positive outcomes in many aspect of resettlement

There is some evidence to support the importance of other relationships Victim Awareness Restorative justice Mentoring

Where the research gaps are Rehabilitation Type and frequency of family contact Reasons why some offenders don’t have family contact Effects on re-offending

The MOJ is generating evidence to address these research gaps The Prisoner Cohort Study will explore the frequency and type of family contact across the prison population and the role this plays in resettlement and reducing reoffending The Community Cohort Study will do similar analysis for offenders on community orders. Both cohort studies will look at offender histories to examine the nature of relationships and family ties and how these might influence their criminal careers.

Timescales and further information Study Fieldwork Expected reporting SPCR 2005-2009 Preliminary report on the Problems and needs of newly sentenced prisoners - results from a national survey was published in 2008. Available at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/problems-needs-prisoners.htm. A second report due early next year. OMCCS 2009-2013 First report about participants in the study due in 2011. Contacts: For more information on SPCR: Kathryn.Hopkins@justice.gsi.gov.uk OMCCS: Robin.Elliott-Marshall@justice.gsi.gov.uk