The Impact of Bespoke Interventions for Short-Term Sentenced Prisoners: Exploring Northern Ireland (NI) based initiatives during and post custody

In its 2023 report on Reducing Adult Reoffending in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) highlighted that the region had more individuals on short-term sentences than other jurisdictions in the United Kingdom and that 'over three quarters of custodial sentences were short-term (12 months or less.)' While this cohort is entitled to access rehabilitation services the report noted that there was limited scope to do so and they can often 'leave prison in poorer circumstances than when entering.' The report goes as far as to say the 'consequences are clear, with short-term custodial sentences linked to higher reoffending rates.'

In response to the NIAO's report, in January 2024 the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS), along with Extern, the Probation Board of Northern Ireland (PBNI) and other partners, will have launched a new programme of interventions aimed at individuals in custody serving short-term sentences. The interventions will take place during and post custody and will include delivery of the 'Good Lives Model,' and include work in areas such as accommodation, mental health, drugs and alcohol, employment and relationships.

It is anticipated that this work with involve between 60-70 individuals a year (NIPS have provided this estimate.) The launch of this new programme makes the coming years an opportune time to consider the impact of a bespoke approach for this cohort.

Through qualitative interviews with imprisoned men and delivery staff in HMP Maghaberry, observation of programme delivery and analysis of project reviews and annually published data, this research aims to critically examine the criminogenic needs of the participants, both as they understand them themselves and how they are understood by those delivering services. Furthermore, it will assess the impact of the NIPS's new approach and inform future tailored approaches for the rehabilitation and resettlement of this cohort.