New embargoed research from HM Inspectorate
of Probation (out Wednesday 8 July) has found that a lack of
suitable housing is jeopardising the rehabilitation of prison
leavers. The research found individuals who were released
from prison into unstable accommodation were significantly more
likely to re-offend, be sentenced for another crime or be back
behind bars
Responding to this
research, Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of
Crisis, said “It is shameful but
sadly not surprising that the rehabilitation of so many prison
leavers is jeopardised by the current lack of stable
accommodation available.
“Through our work, we know that people going into
prison are more likely to have faced homelessness previously and
to also face it when leaving. But when you provide someone with a
safe and stable home to call their own, this helps them to thrive
and rebuild their lives.
“Ultimately, a greater emphasis needs to be
placed on preventing people from becoming homeless in the first
place, and prevent many from getting stuck between prison and
homelessness. To tackle this, the Westminster government needs to
ensure that people who are at the highest risk of homelessness,
such as those leaving prison, are given access to suitable
accommodation and follow on support. By providing this, we can
ensure many more people are able to break out of the cycle of
homelessness and leave it behind for good.”
