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Report of research carried out by the Centre for Research in Social Policy on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) presents findings from a study of the lives of ex-prisoners that focuses on employment experience and support services after release from prison. The study was commissioned to establish a stronger understanding of the barriers faced by ex-prisoners in the first few months after release and centres on 40 prisoners charting their journey over six months.

The main findings are:

• Re-offending, substance abuse and housing problems were found to be closely entwined amongst the study sample
• Employment status was more a reflection of circumstances in relation to substance misuse and housing, rather than criminal activity
• Prisoners left prison with high hopes for their future plans which often fell apart when faced with the realities of sorting out their lives.  The greatest need for support was just before release and in the period shortly following release when it becomes apparent that the hopes and plans may not work out
• With support, some people in the study sample were able to make positive changes in their lives
• For those whose expectations for finding work were unrealistic, they may have benefited from more help in dealing with the realities of the labour market
• Many who remained on benefits found financial management a continual struggle  

Chapter 6 looks at Resettlement support in the community and findings are based on interviews with staff from community-based organisations including two mentoring services. Issues raised included:

• Lack of prisoner interest/motivation
• Reliance on receiving referrals from other organisations
• Housing issues
• A lack of (funding for) training provision

Read the full report: High hopes: Supporting ex-prisoners in their lives after prison