Perceptions of ex-offenders futures from the viewpoint of ex-offenders, mentors, and employers: a collaborative dissertation with The Wise Group

Abstract

Justice policy in Scotland is undergoing a massive reform where it seeks to fundamentally change its approach to offender management. This collaborative dissertation highlights the perspectives and advice of individuals with first-hand experience about what helps or hinders an ex-offender during their transition from short-term prison life to desistance, why certain social services may or may not alleviate problems that result in offending behaviour, and how policy can develop to reduce the disconnection between the needs of individuals in the justice sector and the demands placed on politicians. Nine face-to-face interviews were conducted with individuals from the collaborating organisation, The Wise Group. As it was found, the views of the participants, many of whom are themselves former offenders, illustrated a sector with both strengths and considerable flaws. Furthermore, findings indicate that multiple challenges and barriers halt progress and create an enduring label that limits the ex-offender’s future.