Background on the Prison, Probation and Courts Crises in the UK The criminal justice system in England and Wales is facing several crises. Recent statistics warned that prison demand nearly exceeded capacity last summer, prompting emergency prisoner releases to avert collapse of prison operations (Independent Sentencing Review, no date). Whilst… By Steff Edwards ...
Work With Offenders has officially relaunched under a new name: Reflective Practice. This change marks an important step in our mission to provide trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches that reflect the very best of practice in the criminal justice system. The term “offenders” has long carried a label that we feel does… By Martin Jerrold...
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....
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...
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 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...
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. ...
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...
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 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… ...