insights

evidence summaries to support

29
social services in Scotland
April 2015

prison leavers and

homelessness

written by edited by
Emma Dore (Shelter Scotland) Ellen Daly (IRISS)
 [Link]

Introduction
Key points This evidence summary looks at the relationship
Since December 2012, local authorities have had
a statutory duty to provide settled accommodation
for all unintentionally homeless people in Scotland.
between homelessness and offending, the impact There is also a duty to provide temporary
• Scotland has a strong legal framework for protecting people of prison, key challenges and messages for accommodation for all homeless households
from homelessness practice. Not all offenders will spend time in prison, that need it while an investigation into their
but there is evidence that both offending and homelessness application is assessed. Scotland’s
• Many prisoners become homeless when they leave prison
imprisonment increase the risk of homelessness. approach has been described as ‘possibly the
• A lack of stable accommodation increases the risk of (re-)offending strongest legal framework in the world in relation to
Homelessness has a range of meanings. A person protecting people from homelessness’ (Anderson
• Four groups of prison leavers face particular barriers: remand
might be homeless if they are1: and Serpa, 2013, p14). Alongside these legislative
prisoners / those on short sentences; women; young people; those provisions, in recent years there has been a strong
who are homeless on entering prison
• Sleeping on the streets (referred to as ‘rough focus on preventing homelessness through the
• Key challenges for prison leavers are: limited accommodation sleeping’ or ‘rooflessness’) ‘housing options’ approach. This involves exploring
options, location of accommodation and the complexity of needs they all accommodation possibilities for a household.

may experience • Staying with friends or family (referred to as The Homelessness Guidance (Scottish Executive,
‘sofa surfing’) 2005) states that:
• Effective approaches to supporting prison leavers include: proactively
providing advice and information on housing needs well before • Staying in a hostel or bed and breakfast hotel Local authorities should therefore work together
release; support after release to help sustain tenancies; partnership with prisons, social work departments and voluntary

working with other agencies and offering practical support first • Living in overcrowded conditions organisations to put in place measures to prevent
people from becoming homeless on release
• At risk of violence in their home from prison’.

• Living in poor conditions that affect their health

• Living in a house that is not suitable for them 1 Adapted from: [Link]
because they are sick or disabled advice_topics/homelessness/what_is_homelessness

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Homelessness, offending from people leaving prison (Scottish Government, or sleeping rough had been in prison at least once re-offending was also clearly demonstrated by the
and prison 2014). This is also likely to be an underestimate, (Homelessness Task Force, 2002). More recently, survey, which found that 11% who had served a
as individuals may choose not to cite leaving a survey of 500 homelessness services in England previous custodial sentence were sleeping rough
prison as their reason for homelessness, fearing in 2013, reported that an estimated 18% of service prior to custody, compared to 3% of those who had
There is a well-evidenced and complex relationship that this could weaken their homelessness users were prison leavers (Homeless Link, 2013). not been in prison before (Williams et al, 2012).
between homelessness and offending. Spending application. They may, instead, cite another factor
time in prison increases the risk of homelessness such as relationship breakdown. For others, Research has established that securing adequate While finding and sustaining accommodation can be
and a lack of stable accommodation increases living arrangements may break down within a few housing for prison leavers can significantly reduce problematic for anyone leaving prison, evidence has
the likelihood of (re-)offending. This can lead weeks of release, leading to a delayed homeless re-offending. For example, the Social Exclusion highlighted four groups that face particular barriers:
to a self-perpetuating negative cycle. The risk presentation. Furthermore, not all those who are Unit (2002) found a reduction in relapses into
of homelessness for people leaving prison is homeless will approach a local authority or be criminal behaviour (or ‘recidivism’) of 20%. The • Remand prisoners and those on very short-term
recognised by the criminal justice sector. For offered a homelessness assessment (Scottish Home Office, in a longitudinal follow-up study of sentences (Loucks, 2007; Gojkovic et al, 2012)
example, the (then) Scottish Executive’s National Housing Regulator, 2014). liberated prisoners identified that, while a third of
Strategy for the Management of Offenders those released to stable accommodation had re- • Women (Sapouna et al, 2011; Commission on
identified ‘the ability to access and sustain suitable Alongside these statutory figures, research offended, this rose to more than two thirds for those Women Offenders, 2012)
accommodation’ as one of the nine offender consistently demonstrates that homelessness who were homeless or in unstable accommodation
outcomes (Scottish Executive, 2006). amongst prison leavers is a significant issue, (cited in Reid Howie, 2004). Prisoners themselves • Young people (Glover and Clewett, 2011;
although evidence varies as to the exact scale of the are aware of this; 60% of prisoners are reported to Gojkovic et al, 2012)
Despite the legislative rights and strategic problem (Social Exclusion Unit, 2002; MacRae et al, believe that having a place to live would help them
commitments in Scotland, many people leave 2006; Loucks, 2007). The most recent large-scale UK stop offending (Williams et al, 2012). Some prison • Those who were homeless on entering prison
prison without accommodation to go to. The research was conducted in 2005 by the Home Office. leavers feel driven to re-offend to return to the (Williams et al, 2012)
most recent publicly available data shows that in This found that 30% of those released from prison secure ‘accommodation’ of prison (Loucks, 2007).
2011/12, 846 people were recorded as leaving had nowhere to live (Niven and Stewart, 2005). The families of prisoners are also affected by the
prison to ‘no fixed abode’ (Scottish Government, Surveying prisoner crime reduction was a imprisonment and can find their housing situation at
2012). However, these figures are likely to Lack of access to appropriate accommodation longitudinal cohort study of 1,435 adult prisoners risk. In Scotland, imprisonment affects an estimated
significantly under-report the prevalence due to on leaving prison has led to over-representation sentenced to between one month and four years 16,500 children annually (Families Outside, 2009).
prisoners choosing not to disclose worries about of this group within every section of the homeless in prison in England and Wales. It found that 15% The children of prisoners are about three times
accommodation or being unaware of the reality of population: those who have made a statutory of prisoners reported being homeless before more likely than their peers to engage in anti-social
their accommodation situation. homelessness application; those who are roofless; custody (including 9% sleeping rough) compared or delinquent behaviour, and more than twice as
and those who are hidden, sleeping on friends’ to 3.5% of the general population having ever been likely to have mental health problems during their
In 2013/14, statutory homelessness figures identify sofas or in unsuitable places. For example, in homeless. The cyclical nature of homelessness and life (SCIE, 2008).
that 2,126 homeless applications (6% of total) came Glasgow in 1999, 44% of people living in hostels

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Key challenges into the community and that hostel accommodation The private rented sector has been looked to as an although no more recent evidence has been found
is rarely suitable for prison leavers, especially those option for settled accommodation. However, there in this current brief review.
This section explores some of the challenges with drug and alcohol problems. are often financial barriers to people leaving prison
associated with accommodation and the accessing private rented accommodation such as Of significant concern for people leaving prison is
impact of complex needs which prison leavers There is evidence that settled and stable high rents, delays in benefits and the need for a the location of accommodation, being away from
might experience. accommodation is vital for prison leavers. The deposit. For a few, help may be available through negative, and being close to positive influences.
National objectives for social work services in the access to rent deposit guarantee schemes for Many want a ‘clean break’ when leaving prison, to
Accommodation criminal justice system: Standards throughcare people leaving prison, but these can be difficult to move away from associates that have previously
Local authorities will usually have a duty to provide (2004) highlight stable accommodation as a access (Reid Howie, 2004). Against a background had a negative influence on them. Relationships with
prisoners who apply as homeless on release, with key factor for successful reintegration of long- of high demand, landlords can perceive people anti-social associates has been described as ‘one of
temporary accommodation. Most local authorities term prisoners and sets out procedures for leaving prison as risky or undesirable tenants the most potent predictors of re-offending’ (Andrews
in Scotland have high demand on their temporary accommodation to be considered. However, at the and those advocating for them can face a strong and Bonta, 2003). Often, prison leavers are offered
accommodation and many prisoners will be placed, root of the high levels of homelessness amongst attitudinal challenge (Homeless Link, 2011). Also, social housing in what are perceived to be the ‘worst’
at least short-term, in ‘bed and breakfast’ or hostel those leaving prison is the difficulty they can face if someone has been in custody they may have areas (Reid Howie, 2004). These are areas with the
accommodation. Very few prison leavers want to in gaining access to housing (Reid Howie, 2004; lost personal belongings including documentation highest turnover of tenants, and where properties
live in a hostel, even temporarily; they may fear Communities and Local Government (CLG), 2009). that may be required by landlords to secure private become available more regularly. However, they are
being drawn into re-offending by contact with other Beyond temporary accommodation, the options for rented accommodation. often areas with the highest crime rates and can,
ex-offenders (Carlisle, 1996). Many get caught in almost all are social housing or the private rented therefore, increase the risk of re-offending.
a cycle of prison–hostel–prison (Homelessness sector, both of which present barriers to access. The complex needs presented by some prison
Task Force, 2002). Although there is not conclusive leavers can further limit accommodation options Finding accommodation close to positive social
evidence, research for the Scottish Government Although there is variation amongst areas, in (CLG, 2009). For some particularly vulnerable networks can reduce offending behaviour (McHardy,
reports increasing consensus that rehousing general there is high demand in Scotland for social groups, independent accommodation is unlikely 2010). The most frequently cited reason for change
prison leavers in mainstream rather than hostel housing. According to the Scottish Government’s to be successful even with support, and specialist in Healy’s (2010) study of persistent adult offenders
accommodation will reduce re-offending (Sapouna Housing Statistics for Scotland, (Housing and supported accommodation may be needed for in Ireland was the formation of strong social bonds
et al, 2011). This is supported by McHardy (2010), Regeneration datasets), there are currently a period. For example, Barnardo’s has called for with parents, partners and children. Maintaining
whose research involved interviewing 10 homeless 150,500 households waiting for social housing in improved supported accommodation for young positive social networks is also key to preventing
prison leavers from the west of Scotland about Scotland and even those assessed as homeless ex-offenders, arguing that this could save £67,000 recurring homelessness (Tabner, 2013). Despite
their experiences in temporary accommodation. can wait a long time for an appropriate property to per individual over a three-year period (Glover clear evidence that location is important, finding
The study concluded that unsuitable temporary become available. and Clewett, 2011). In 2004, Reid Howie identified accommodation for prison leavers in an appropriate
accommodation impacts negatively on reintegration a lack of semi and fully supported housing to area can be difficult. There may be a requirement
accommodate the needs of this group in Scotland, for a ‘local connection’ to an area, to access social

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housing. In addition, prison housing advisors often make tenancies difficult to sustain. While any one of What is effective? “Prison-based housing advice
only have links with the local area of the prison. If these could cause difficulties, evidence shows that
and assistance projects were
a prisoner isn’t from that area, professionals in the for many prisoners, these issues are interlinked and This section highlights some examples of effective
receiving area may be required to assist (Gojkovic often cumulative (Social Exclusion Unit, 2002; Reid approaches and identifies associated challenges.
of benefit to prisoners facing
et al, 2012). This can be a challenge in many cases Howie, 2004; Audit Scotland, 2011). For example, difficulties with housing
where prisoners are in custody away from their a study of transitional care in Scotland identified Advice and information upon release”
home area (Audit Scotland, 2012). housing as one of the main challenges encountered The availability of appropriate specialist information,
by prisoners with drug problems on release, and that advice and support on housing issues is critical in
Complex needs lack of stable housing made it more likely that they preventing homelessness amongst prison leavers. were of benefit to prisoners facing difficulties with
Evidence suggests that offenders often experience would resume drug misuse (MacRae et al, 2006). However, there is evidence that this has challenges. housing upon release. This is in line with the focus
multiple challenges (Scottish Prisons Commission, For example, a survey of 680 offenders found that on advice and information within the Code of
2008; Sapouna et al, 2011). Complex needs are Homeless people are also significantly more likely only 21% of respondents reported awareness Guidance on Homelessness (Scottish Executive,
also associated with experiences of homelessness. to be victims of crime, which can leave them of any housing organisations operating in their 2005). For example, since the introduction of
There is a strong overlap between experiences of traumatised and living in fear, affecting both their prison and no more than 4% reported engagement Shelter Scotland’s housing advice project to HMP
more extreme forms of homelessness (eg multiple physical and mental health. Compared to the general with them (Gojkovic et al, 2011). Prisoners need Perth, the number of prisoners being assessed for
instances of homelessness, rough sleeping) public, rough sleepers are 13 times more likely to know how to give up their tenancy, what will homelessness by Dundee City Council has halved.
and other support needs. McDonagh (2011) to have experienced violence and 47 times more happen to their belongings and how they can find
summarised findings from four key studies. One likely to be victims of theft. Almost one in 10 of 336 a new home (Audit Scotland, 2012). A House of Housing issues need to be given prominence.
of these studies (Fitzpatrick et al, 2011) included a homeless people interviewed by the London School Commons Library review (2014) highlighted the Housing advice must be proactively publicised
‘census’ survey of users of ‘low threshold’ services of Economics had experienced sexual assault in UK Government’s recommendation that all prisons in ways that are accessible to prisoners, many
(such as street outreach teams, drop-in services, the previous year and around half had experienced should have a specialist housing advice centre, of whom have poor literacy skills. Innovative
day centres, direct access accommodation, soup damage to property (Newburn and Rock, 2005). or, at least, ready access to specialist housing approaches are emerging to address this issue; for
runs etc.) in seven urban locations throughout advice. In Scotland, many prisons have link centres, example, the West of Scotland Housing Options Hub
the UK. Almost half of respondents to the survey which will often include some element of access to is producing a short video to be shown in prison link
reported experience of institutional care, substance housing advice from either local authorities, who centres while prisoners are receiving their induction.
misuse and street activities (like begging, sex work “Compared to the general public, have Prison Liaison Officers, or voluntary sector Another example is the Supporting Prisoners Advice
or shoplifting), as well as homelessness. providers. However, there are inconsistent levels of Network (SPAN) Insiders Programme which trains
rough sleepers are 13 times
provision in Scottish prisons (Audit Scotland, 2012). and accredits chosen prisoners in giving housing
For many leaving prison, addiction, breakdown in
more likely to have experienced Reid Howie Associates, in their evaluation of the advice, in line with Scottish National Standards to
relationships, poor physical or mental health and violence and 47 times more Rough Sleeper Initiative (2004), found that prison- raise awareness about housing and homelessness
social isolation can perpetuate homelessness or likely to be victims of theft” based housing advice and assistance projects amongst fellow inmates.

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Early intervention suggests that this is not always effective. For Support after release “There is strong evidence
There is general acknowledgement that the example, in McHardy’s study, interviewees reported Accessing appropriate accommodation is only the
that appropriate support and
assessment of housing need should start in prison being unable to gain access to appropriate staff beginning of the resettlement process. Although
at entry and also be undertaken at review points to and only being given phone numbers to contact on not all prison leavers will require support, some
advocacy is vital to successfully
enable a more planned approach to resettlement release (2010). will have poor basic skills and high levels of maintain tenancies for all
(James et al, 2004). In Scottish prisons a Core need, which can impact on their ability to sustain vulnerable people who have
Screen assessment interview within the first 72 Pre-release planning can be hampered by accommodation (Scottish Prisons Commission, been homeless”
hours of custody should ask about housing needs. uncertainty about prisoner transfers and timing of 2008). Evidence from the literature suggests that
However, some prisoners are reluctant to disclose release, such as for remand prisoners or through ensuring tenancy sustainment for prison leavers
this information or within the first three days of inclusion in the Home Detention Curfew scheme requires holistic assessment processes that identify likely to accept prison leavers as tenants when
custody are not in the right emotional or mental (where short-term prisoners assessed as low the full range of housing-related and wider support appropriate tenancy support is available. Such
state to answer all questions fully (Anderson risk are released on licence). Challenges to early needs (CLG, 2009; Audit Scotland, 2011). support can reduce anxieties about actual and
et al, 2014). Early assessment of housing need assessment and planning include variations in local perceived risks associated with housing this group
identifies those requiring assistance in maintaining authority practices, their willingness to consider Alongside evidence regarding prison leavers, there and thus increase offenders’ housing options (CLG,
or closing down tenancies in order to prevent applications for housing assistance prior to release is also strong evidence that appropriate support 2009).
unplanned accommodation loss. It also can give and the ability of other social and private sector and advocacy is vital to successfully maintain
early warning of those who will need help in finding housing providers to assess applications for tenancies for all vulnerable people who have been Partnership working
accommodation and sustaining accommodation assistance from offenders in custody (CLG, 2009). homeless (Civis, 2008; Shelter Scotland, 2009). Partnership working is central to increasing capacity
on release (CLG, 2009). The Improving Offenders The Reid Howie (2004) evaluation of projects giving This has led to the recent introduction of the and diversity in the housing options accessible to
Housing Outcomes initiative, part of the Scottish housing advice to prisoners, demonstrated the Housing Support Duty to Homeless Households prison leavers (CLG, 2009; Gojkovic et al, 2012).
Government’s Reducing Reoffending Programme, benefits of conducting housing and homelessness for local authorities in Scotland to ensure that Criminal justice agencies alone are not able to
is currently trialling the inclusion of a more detailed assessments prior to release in Glasgow anyone receiving a settled tenancy is supported to provide or guarantee effective resettlement for
housing needs social questionnaire within the Core and Dumfries and Galloway, so that support sustain it. The need for life skills in order to reduce prison leavers. Multiple stakeholders may need to
Screening process in HMP Perth. The aim is to packages could be put in place and appropriate re-offending and homelessness should not be be involved including: housing advice services, local
identify and act on housing issues at the earliest accommodation arranged. underestimated (Homeless Link, 2011). The support authorities, social housing providers, the Scottish
possible opportunity. delivered can range from budgeting to cooking Prison Service, support agencies and criminal
skills, and organisations that deliver this support justice social work services (Local Government
Plans for finding new accommodation should also can be crucial in enabling someone to stabilise in Association, 2005). Although there are examples
start early (Anderson et al, 2014). In Scotland, independent accommodation. of positive multi-agency practice in prisons, for
prisoners sentenced to under four years should
“The aim is to identify and act on instance the Integrated Case Management process
have a pre-release interview, which should include housing issues at the earliest Engaging with housing providers around tenancy (Scottish Prison Service, 2007), there is room for
identifying housing issues. However, evidence possible opportunity” support can also be effective as providers are more this to be built on both locally and systemically.

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Prisoners themselves have emphasised the need The following components of successful requirements for information sharing. Perth and as part of the second phase of the Scottish
for prisons to have better links with housing partnership working were identified: Kinross Council reported that emergency homeless Government’s Reducing Reoffending Programme.
organisations throughout the country, especially applications from prisoners leaving custody
those which cover areas outside large cities 1. Cross-sector working driven at a strategic dropped from 75 in 2008/9 to three in 2010/11. Practicalities first
(Gojkovic et al, 2011). In prisons which reported the level, eg jointly owned strategies, working However, the Homelessness and substance misuse: If practical needs remain unmet on leaving prison,
existence of partnership arrangements with housing groups or partnership frameworks Services needs assessment in Tayside (2013) progress in reforming behaviour and other areas of
providers, prisoners were often more positive and 2. Shared understanding of mutual goals reports that despite the protocol, some people may development such as employment or addressing
3. Co-location explored as an option
less concerned about their prospects on release have not received the service they want, potentially mental health issues are unlikely to be successful
4. Personal networks of contacts are valued
(Gojkovic et al, 2012). due to literacy barriers. This suggests that protocols (Malloch et al, 2013). Other studies of how and
5. Multi-agency panels and support planning
need to be regularly monitored, reviewed and have why people stop offending (also known as the
6. Cross-sector learning about how each sector
When relationships between statutory and third proactive buy-in from all partners in order to be desistance process) report that offenders value
can complement the other’s client support
sector agencies are strong, service provision 7. All staff empowered to proactively share fully effective. practical support more than any other type of
appears to be more effective and more likely to information wisely for the benefit of the client intervention (Sapouna et al, 2011). The Housing First
ensure consistency of support for service users Characteristics of practitioners and services Model approaches accommodation as a practical
(Malloch et al, 2013). However, challenges to Building on point 7 in the previous list, the Scottish Characteristics of services and practitioners shown need. Modelled on the Pathways to Housing in the
partnership working are well documented. For Government’s Prevention of homelessness to be effective in assisting prisoners on liberation United States (Tsemberis, 2010), the Housing First
example, in their evaluation of the Community guidance (2009) highlights the benefits of include: continuity, flexibility and a respectful pilot was led by Turning Point Scotland in response
Reintegration Project, Anderson and colleagues establishing clear protocols for sharing information relationship. These characteristics will be more to high levels of repeat homelessness amongst
found that inter-agency relationships are often between housing advice services, the Scottish important when working with people with complex people with active substance misuse problems in
under-developed and over-reliant on personal links Prison Service, local authority housing and needs and can be central to supporting someone to Glasgow. Homeless people with complex needs are
between individual staff (2014). providers/registered social landlords. Such access and maintain accommodation (Malloch et al, placed directly into independent tenancies without
protocols not only provide clarity about the 2013). The voluntary sector is perceived to have a first having to undergo treatment or go through
The integration of health and social care in Scotland procedures and context for information sharing, good record for maintaining contact with prisoners transitional housing programmes. People supported
following the Public Bodies (Joint working) Act they also assist the assessment and pre-release on release, often having more time and flexibility are offered flexible, non-time-limited support in their
(2014), may encourage improvement of partnership planning process. For example, The Tayside Inter than statutory services and overcoming traditional homes and communities. It has been evaluated
working to support people with complex needs, Agency Prison Discharge and Homelessness barriers that emerge when working across multiple as reducing service users’ involvement in criminal
including those leaving prison. Prevention Protocol was developed during agencies (McLaughlin, 2012; Malloch et al, 2013). activity (Johnsen, 2013). In a review of approaches
2008-09 in partnership with Perth and Kinross Of the programmes identified in the National to complex needs, Evans (2015) reports two case
Homeless Link’s (2011) Better Together research Council, Angus Council and Shelter Scotland. The directory of services, 107 third sector organisations studies of achieving success with Housing First,
into links between the homelessness and criminal protocol details background information, overall provide 30% of the criminal justice services listed stating that it can give people with complex needs a
justice sectors surveyed 400 homelessness objectives, the roles and responsibilities of each in Scotland (Audit Scotland, 2012). A revised and long-term option that builds stability, self-worth and
professionals and 75 people supported by them. partner, the homelessness prevention pathway and updated directory is currently being developed social connections.

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Key messages for practice • Support on release from prison can be vital to • The order in which support is provided is
help prison leavers sustain tenancies. Support important and needs to be ‘appropriately
Several messages for practice can be drawn from might focus on life skills such as budgeting and sequenced: for example, employment, while
the evidence summarised here including: cooking and other practical help. This support critical in the longer term, is often not a realistic
can be crucial in enabling someone to stabilise short-term goal until other issues and needs have
• Intervening early by addressing housing needs in independent accommodation. been addressed’ (Sapouna et al, 2011, p13).
before prisoners are released is important,
can help protect existing tenancies and avoid • Effective partnership working can help ensure • A professional’s local knowledge about housing
unplanned loss of accommodation. consistent support for prison leavers, which can related support in prisons, and agencies
be particularly important when supporting those providing support and accommodation in the
• Those supporting people who have been with complex needs. community, plays an important role. Referrals
sentenced to under four years need to be aware to the right agencies, including knowing how to
of the increased likelihood of housing problems • Many prisoners do not consider issues such access appropriate support and accommodation
on release for this group. Short-term prisoners as housing during their time in custody, or may providers, largely depends on a professional’s
can request voluntary social work assistance, not think that they need help so it is important local knowledge.
but traditionally there has been very low take-up to be proactive in addressing housing needs.
of this (Malloch et al, 2013). Some prisoners may choose not to access • Due to inconsistency in provision of housing
help, being unaccustomed to actively seeking advice across Scotland (Audit Scotland, 2011)
• It is important for professionals involved with support from outside agencies (Loucks, 2007; and constraints on criminal justice social
those at risk of imprisonment to consider Shapland et al, 2011). Research amongst work resources, often there is no-one whose
the impact on families and to ensure that women prisoners suggests that unless issues specific job it is to do this negotiating or to hold
appropriate support is in place (Loucks, 2004). such as housing are proactively raised, few specialist knowledge about housing options for
will seek out help (Reid Howie, 2004). It is offenders (Gojkovic et al, 2012). Professionals
• Respectful relationships between prison leavers also worth considering alternative ways of who come into contact with prison leavers can
and services / practitioners are effective in conveying advice and information to suit those help significantly if they are willing to engage
supporting prisoners after release. with limited literacy skills. with housing providers to increase their clients’
housing options, even if this is outside their
normal area of expertise.

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Homelessness prevention and meeting housing need for (ex) [Link]/20110314171826/http:// Shapland J, Bottoms A, Farrall S et al (2011) The quality
offenders, London: Communities and Local Government James K, Curtis S and Griffiths S (2004) Just surviving: [Link]/rds/pdfs05/[Link] of probation supervision: A literature review, University of
The housing and support needs of people on the fringes of Glasgow and University of Sheffield Centre for criminological
Evans A (2015) Homelessness and complex needs in homelessness and/or the criminal justice system in West Newburn T and Rock P (2005) Living in fear: Violence and research [Link]
Glasgow, Glasgow Homelessness Network and the Oak Yorkshire, Leeds: Leeds Supporting People Team victimisation in the lives of single homeless people, London: [Link]
Foundation Crisis with the LSE Mannheim Centre for Criminology
Johnsen S (2013) Turning Point Scotland’s Housing Shelter Scotland (2009) Tenancy sustainment in Scotland,
Families Outside (2009) Support and information for children First project evaluation: Final report, Edinburgh: Institute Reid Howie Associates (2004) The provision of housing Shelter policy library [Link]
affected by imprisonment, In Brief 4, Edinburgh: Families for Housing, Urban and Real Estate Research, Heriot- advice to prisoners in Scotland: An evaluation of the projects assets/pdf_file/0016/218113/Tenancy_sustainment_in_
Outside Watt University funded by the Rough Sleepers Initiative, Edinburgh: Scottish Scotland_to_pdf.pdf
Executive Social Research

16 17
 prison leavers and homelessness [Link]

Shelter Scotland SPAN Project: [Link]

uk/get_advice/local_services/dundee/supporting_prisoners_
IRISS Insights
advice_network_span
1. Assisting those with mental health 18. Self-directed support (SDS):
Social Care Institute for Excellence (2008) Children’s problems into employment preparing for delivery
and families resource guide 22: Children of prisoners –
maintaining family ties, London: SCIE 2. Effectively engaging and involving 19. Spirituality and ageing: implications for
seldom-heard groups the care and support of older people
Social Exclusion Unit (2002) Reducing reoffending by ex- 3. Effectiveness of reablement services 20. Advocacy: models and effectiveness
prisoners, London: Social Exclusion Unit
4. Supporting those with dementia: 21. Understanding suicide and self-harm
Tabner K (2013) Developing positive social networks: reminiscence therapy and life story work amongst children in care and care leavers
Research into the application and effects of a networks
5. Transition to adulthood for young people 22. Children, food and care
approach to homelessness, Edinburgh: Rock Trust
with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) 23. The role of personal storytelling in practice
Tsemberis S (2010) Housing first: The pathways model to end 6. Life after stroke: the long-term 24. Delivering integrated care and support
homelessness for people with mental illness and addiction,
emotional and psychological needs of 25. Preventing loneliness and social
New York: Hazelden
stroke survivors and their carers isolation in older people
Williams K, Poyser J and Hopkins K (2012) Accommodation, 7. Improving support for black and 26. Extending the housing options for
homelessness and re-offending of prisoners: Results from
minority ethnic (BME) carers older people: focus on extra care
the Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction (SPCR) survey,
Ministry of Justice research summary 3/12, London: Ministry 8. Supporting unpaid carers: the 27. Trauma sensitive practice with children in care
of Justice benefits of telecare 28. Supporting positive relationships for children
9. Intensive supervision, surveillance and young people who have experience of care
and monitoring of young people
10. Attachment-informed practice with looked [Link]

after children and young people

11. Permanence and stability for
disabled looked after children
12. Measuring personal outcomes:
challenges and strategies
13. Shaping the criminal justice system: the role of
those supported by criminal justice services
14. Integration of health and social care
15. How and why people stop offending:
discovering desistance
16. Strengths-based approaches for
working with individuals
17. Culture change in the public sector

18 19
Acknowledgements
This Insight was reviewed by Helen Allbutt and colleagues
from NHS Education for Scotland, Claire Frew (Glasgow
Homelessness Network), Neil Macleod (Scottish Social
Services Council), Brian McAteer and Audrey McGuinness
(North Lanarkshire Council), David Orr (Edinburgh City
Council), and colleagues from the Scottish Government
Homelessness Team. IRISS would like to thank reviewers
for taking the time to reflect and comment on this Insight.

[Link] enquiries@[Link]
The Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS) is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered in
Scotland: No 313740. Scottish Charity No: SC037882. Registered Office: Brunswick House, 51 Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1UZ

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 2.5 UK: Scotland
Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit [Link]/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5/scotland/
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