P086 - Reintegration of People with Sexual Convictions: Preliminary Results of the First Community Rehabilitation Centre in UK

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

Re-entry into the community is a particularly challenging time for people with sexual convictions against children. Although there are multiple support services available in prison, this support is greatly reduced when the individual is released, and the stigma attached to sexual offences can create a hostile environment for re-entry, leading to isolation, shame, depression and anxiety. Further, the risk-based support system and the absence of a proactive and positive approach to rehabilitation and reintegration can contribute to recidivism.
The Safer Living Centre is the only rehabilitation centre in the UK which offers specialised and continued support for individuals to lead pro-social, offence-free lives after a sexual conviction. The aim of the Centre is to provide hope, promote wellbeing, and support individuals to develop pro-social skills, assist individuals to lead positive, offence-free lives and reduce recidivism. The poster will unpack a mixed-methods evaluation on how service-users progress through the centre and how it contributes to their reintegration journey. Preliminary results suggest significant increases in wellbeing and hope, and reductions in shame, depression and anxiety. This poster will also highlight the unique challenges faced in the development of the centre, as well as an overview of recent findings, and the implications for service-user reintegration.

Authors

• Nicholas Blagden, University of Derby

• Nicholas Blagden, University of Derby

• Eve Penford, University of Derby

• Polly Delliere-Moor, University of Derby

• Jade Mason, University of Derby