What works in resettlement? Findings from seven Pathfinders for short-term prisoners in England and Wales

This article presents findings from the evaluation of Phase One of the resettlement ‘Pathfinder’, which was funded under the Home Office Crime Reduction Programme. Seven projects (four probation-led and three run by voluntary agencies) targeted the resettlement needs and/or offending behaviour of adults sentenced to prison for under 12 months, who are currently not subject to post-release supervision. All participants received help with welfare needs, and some attended a short cognitive motivational programme. The results suggest that such interventions can significantly reduce the problems faced by this frequently neglected group, as well as having a positive effect on their attitudes to crime. There was also some evidence of reductions in reconviction, especially among those who maintained contact with mentors after release. The findings have implications for the Government's resettlement agenda, as set out in the Reducing Re-offending National Action Plan, as well as for NOMS policy and practice. The shelving of plans for the introduction of ‘Custody Plus’, it is argued, creates a risk that potentially effective ‘through the gate’ work with short-termers will not come to fruition.