Reducing Reoffending
Seven Pathways to Reduce Reoffending
The cost of reoffending in the UK is currently estimated to be in excess of 11 billion pounds, with the rate of reoffending within 12 months of release from custody lying above 65%.
A framework for reducing reoffending has been created by NOMS which emphasises the seven critical pathways that need to be supported to aid positive resettlement back into the community. (as shown here)
It is our premise that sustainable reductions in the reoffending rates can only be achieved by influencing the hearts and minds of each individual offender, and for this reason we choose to place Attitude, Thinking & Behaviour at the very heart of any proposed intervention. It seems logical to us that every opportunity should be seized whilst an offender is within custody to develop positive perspectives on their own strengths, skills and capabilities and to develop an inspiring vision of the future that is available to them upon release.
Research shows that a natural cycle exists when an offender reaches a point where positive change becomes very desirable and the work of New Horizon is focused on stimulating each offender to choose right now as the time for personal transformation. Effective, sustainable change can only be realised by addressing the root causes of offending by re-building self-worth, inspiring learning and encouraging each individual to choose and remain fully engaged in the process of changing their lives for the better.
Support will be needed at every turn, but each individual must self-identify their own need for support because just being told what to do by an authority figure just reinforces the old, established patterns.
A framework for reducing reoffending has been created by NOMS which emphasises the seven critical pathways that need to be supported to aid positive resettlement back into the community. (as shown here)
It is our premise that sustainable reductions in the reoffending rates can only be achieved by influencing the hearts and minds of each individual offender, and for this reason we choose to place Attitude, Thinking & Behaviour at the very heart of any proposed intervention. It seems logical to us that every opportunity should be seized whilst an offender is within custody to develop positive perspectives on their own strengths, skills and capabilities and to develop an inspiring vision of the future that is available to them upon release.
Research shows that a natural cycle exists when an offender reaches a point where positive change becomes very desirable and the work of New Horizon is focused on stimulating each offender to choose right now as the time for personal transformation. Effective, sustainable change can only be realised by addressing the root causes of offending by re-building self-worth, inspiring learning and encouraging each individual to choose and remain fully engaged in the process of changing their lives for the better.
Support will be needed at every turn, but each individual must self-identify their own need for support because just being told what to do by an authority figure just reinforces the old, established patterns.
PACT - Pro Active Change Template
The key deliverable for every participant in the New Horizon Programme is a personal PACT which aligns with the seven critical pathways for reducing reoffending and emphasises the new choices that each participant has selected throughout the programme. The personal PACT is in keeping with the varied experiences, potential strengths, behavioural biases and aptitudinal level of each individual. Importantly it also highlights the support that is felt is required to maximise success and reduce the risk of falling back into established patterns upon release back into the community.
By reinforcing the need for personal ownership over any significant change, the PACT serves as a catalyst and constant reminder to the participant that positive change is a choice they have made for themselves, as opposed to a directive given to them by some external authority figure.
Having selected to share the PACT with any agencies that support the participant's 'through the gate' experience, the levels of engagement in and commitment to positive personal change are radically increased.
By reinforcing the need for personal ownership over any significant change, the PACT serves as a catalyst and constant reminder to the participant that positive change is a choice they have made for themselves, as opposed to a directive given to them by some external authority figure.
Having selected to share the PACT with any agencies that support the participant's 'through the gate' experience, the levels of engagement in and commitment to positive personal change are radically increased.
Has Offender Rehabilitation Really Been Embraced Yet?
Listen to this Radio Four interview from Doncaster Prison
(Press play button below)
(Press play button below)
