Reintegration of Offenders
IPRT promotes rehabilitation and social integration as central concerns of Irish penal policy.
Incarceration often damages the prisoner’s social functioning, therefore contributing to his or her return to offending following release. Studies have shown that imprisonment has a damaging effect on the mental health of the prisoners, and can impair the ability to function in the outside world; prisoners can become institutionalised and therefore unable to live outside of the prison environment.
Imprisonment also carries with it profound negative social impacts on the prisoner’s family and on his or her community, and often the consequences of even a short period of imprisonment are permanent for both the prisoner and those close to him. Research has shown that those communities to which most ex-prisoners return are those characterised by high levels of deprivation and least able to cope with their re-entry. IPRT believes that imprisonment can exacerbate such difficulties within such communities.
In this context, IPRT believes that appropriate preparation for release and post-release support play an important role in the successful return of former prisoners to their families, communities and the wider society. Two elements should always be considered: preparation during the course of the sentence (‘sentence-planning’) and coordinated support post-release. Preparation for release while still in prison should consider not only equipping prisoners with essential skills (such as work skills), but should also include making connections with the prisoner’s family and/or community outside of the prison environment, for example through the use of periods of temporary release.
IPRT believes that post-release support is crucial in the successful re-integration, and should link the former prisoner not only with potential employment opportunities but also with appropriate services in the community, for example with mental health services or substance abuse support groups. It should also consider support for prisoners’ families.
Oireachtas Seminar on Reintegration of Offenders
2nd June 2010
A summary of IPRT's Oireachtas Seminar dealing with Spent Convictions, and other critical supports of the reintegration of offenders.
Irish Examiner: Calls for better services to stop convicts reoffending
26th May 2010
The launch of IPRT's Report on Reintegration of Prisoners in Ireland covered in the Irish Examiner.
Irish Times: 60% of prisoners likely to reoffend, says report
25th May 2010
IPRT highlights the need for a greater commitment to the reintegration of prisoners.

“It’s like stepping on a landmine…” - Reintegration of Prisoners in Ireland
24th May 2010
This report from IPRT assesses the current provision of reintegration services and support for prisoners before and after their release from prison, identifies key systemic failures, and makes 14 clear recommendations for necessary improvements.
REPORT ON REINTEGRATION OF PRISONERS IN IRELAND
21st May 2010
IPRT are launching a new research report "It's like stepping on a landmine..." - Report on Reintegration of Prisoners in Ireland. The report assesses the current provision of reintegration services and support for prisoners on release from prison, identifies key systemic failures, and makes 14 recommendations for necessary improvements.
Irish Times: Parents behind bars
18th May 2010
As Ireland’s prison population grows, more children are having to cope with the stigma and loneliness of a parent in jail, writes Sheila Wayman in 'The Irish Times'.
Oireachtas debate on the use of Temporary Release
17th May 2010
Parliamentary questions regarding the numbers on temporary release and its usefulness.
Irish Examiner: Project bridges the gap
14th May 2010
Since 1991, Dublin's Bridge Project has been working with persistent offenders and offering an alternative to prison.
Mentoring, Social Capital and Desistance: A Study of Women Released from Prison
21st April 2010
New research explores the use of mentoring programmes in aiding reintegration of ex-prisoners.
Herald Article Reiterates Need for Reintegration of Offenders
13th April 2010
Familiar figures demonstrate the lack of effective reintegration and the dire consequences.