Search results

This book provides an up-to-date, accessible introduction to the relationship between families, prisons and penal policies in the United Kingdom. It explores current debates in relation to prisoners and their families, and introduces the reader to relevant theoretical approaches. Interdisciplinary in nature, the book incorporates perspectives drawn from criminology, sociology, social work and law. The book includes:a current exploration of key aspects of the consequences of imprisonment for prisoners and their families an assessment of the role of current prison

Abstract: A number of recent research publications have reiterated the important role played by supportive family ties in facilitating the successful community re‐entry of ex‐prisoners and in preventing reoffending. This, in turn, has led to increased official recognition of the value of supporting the family ties of prisoners. However, although providing assistance to prisoners' families with reference to their role in preventing reoffending may be of value in pragmatically improving their often profoundly negative experiences, such an approach is problematic on a number of grounds. This article critically analyses the issues.

Recent research has recognised the role of self–help groups in helping women cope with the imprisonment of a male partner. However, little research has explored the benefits of membership, beyond the pragmatic recognition that the groups meet an unmet need for support and information. With reference to the findings of recent qualitative research conducted by the author in the UK, this article integrates interdisciplinary perspectives drawn from criminal justice research, family theory and gender studies to construct a gendered theoretical framework for understanding the significance and value of group membership, exploring gendered ideologies of caring and questioning the role of self–help groups in empowering women.

Interest in prisoners' families has grown considerably in recent years as the link between family support and reduced recidivism is increasingly recognized. This article explores the potential role of prisoners' families in reducing re-offending by reviewing the research literature to assess the contribution that family ties can make to effective resettlement and desistance from crime. Like other commentators, such as Farrall (2004) and Wolff and Draine (2004), the authors draw on the concept of `social capital' to provide key insights into the importance of family relationships for encouraging desistance. Potential ways to mobilize this social capital are considered and the article concludes with reflections on the likelihood of such measures being deployed by offender managers in the current penal context, and assesses whether the shift to offender management is likely to boost recognition of prisoners' family relationships.