31st December 2004
This research by Community Technical Aid examines the significant problems faced by prisoners in their attempts to reintegrate themselves into Irish society.
The research is based on the experiences of prisoners and ex prisoners who are either from or access services in the Dublin Inner City Partnership catchment area. The study highlights financial and homelessness problems which are faced by prisoners immediately upon release, and examines the longer-term obstacles that can hinder re-integration such as lack of employment or family support, drug use and illness.
The study concludes that there is a need to develop a proper system of information for prisoners upon their release and proper referral to the different agencies and supports. However, the key conclusion to emerge from this study is the need for fairly simple instrumental and cultural changes within the prisons, in the first instance.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.