Lack of job opportunities driving reoffending among ex-prisoners, new survey claims

The study, which came from the IT asset disposal comany that runs prisoner support programmes to help develop new skills among ex-convicts, found that three in four prisoners (74 percent) believe it will be difficult or extremely difficult to secure a job interview after their release from prison. And only… The DSA Connect survey has revealed that severe employment barriers facing people who criminal records is fueling the number of convicts who reoffends....

Therapeutic interventions in the Criminal Justice System

When it comes to reducing reoffending, therapeutic interventions are among the most effective, with a strong evidence base supporting their impact. In the context of the Criminal Justice System (CJS), therapeutic interventions focus on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behaviour, with the primary aim of rehabilitation and… By Jake Neller...

Autism in the Criminal Justice System

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that refers to a group of conditions that fall under the broader category of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Autism is a genetic developmental condition from birth resulting in a difference in the neuron ‘wiring’ of the brain, with studies finding widespread… By Ciara Placentino...

Why Women Find It Difficult to Leave Domestic Abuse Relationships

Why Women Find It Difficult to Leave Domestic Abuse Relationships Leaving an abusive relationship is never a simple choice. While outsiders may wonder, “Why doesn’t she just leave?”, the reality is far more complex. Survivors of domestic abuse often face a web of emotional, psychological, financial, and social barriers that… By Hardeep Roud...

'Retail crime and shop theft remain significant challenge - this invests in prevention to help stop it'

O2R, originally introduced by West Midlands Police (WMP) in 2018, uses addiction-trained police officers and specialist staff from the drug and alcohol service to ensure pathways for those committing crimes as a result of narcotic use are open. Working closely with retailers, the probation service, local charities and others, these… Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), told Police Oracle that the region's award-winning Offending to Recovery (O2R) programme is helping drive reductions in retail crime while transforming lives, as it prepares to expand again next year. ...

New Event! Developing a Model of Excellence – Working With Those That Cause Harm

A new event from the Chrysalis Centre: Date: Thursday, October 23 Time: 9:15am – 4:30pm GMT+1 Location: Rothamsted Enterprises, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ Click here to book The Chrysalis Centre and Work with Offenders invites you to our conference focused on advancing best practice in domestic abuse perpetrator interventions.… By Chris English...

Independent prison capacity review points to systemic problems

The Ministry of Justice has today (5 August 2025) published the Independent Prison Capacity Review. The review, led by Dame Anne Owers, looked at the origins of the capacity crisis, the reasons why supply and demand did not meet, and the consequences for prisons and other parts of criminal justice. It… Russell Webster reviews a study commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and carried out by a former chief inspector of prisons. ...

Building Trust Online: Strategies for Remote Engagement with Offenders

Building Trust Online: Strategies for Remote Engagement with Offenders Working with offenders online presents a wide range of challenges, but also genuine opportunities to make a difference. Building trust through a screen takes intention and warmth, but it can work and it has already shown real results. Why trust matters… ...

MoJ launches Artificial Intelligence plan

The Ministry of Justice has today published its Artificial Intelligence Action Plan which it says sets out how tech will cut reoffending and make streets safe. The accompanying press release makes some bold claims, saying that: “AI will be used across prisons, probation and courts to better track offenders and… AI to be used across prisons, probation and courts. Russell Webster reports....

Motivational Interviewing: Foundation for Change

Motivational interviewing is a way of working with offenders that puts the service user at the centre of the change process, and which research has found to be part of developing the most effective treatment style when facilitating behavioural change.  Founded by Miller and Rollnick (1991), it works by guiding… By Ciara Placentino...