The Sequencing and Delivery of Interventions: Views of Imprisoned for Public Protection (IPP) Prisoners in the UK

ABSTRACT

The need to be responsive to the individual needs of offenders in issues relating to program delivery is noted by the Ministry of Justice as being of importance to effective rehabilitation of offenders. The aim of the current research is to explore the views of offenders in the United Kingdom regarding issues relating to rehabilitative processes in prison such as the sequencing and timing of interventions. In addition, the research aimed to explore the range of internal and external factors that may impact program efficacy.

Structured interviews were conducted with 20 Imprisoned for Public Protection offenders in prisons across the West Midlands (UK). Detailed notes were taken and analysed using Template Analysis.

Offenders expressed their opinions with reference to their personal experiences of the sequencing of interventions in which they have participated in relation to the process of behavioral change. Offenders highlighted difficulties they have experienced that they feel may have impacted upon the effectiveness of programs, and suggestions were made regarding ways in which they feel programs and program delivery could be improved.

Responses were largely indicative that offenders felt it would benefit them for interventions to be timed and sequenced in a manner consistent with their individual needs and readiness factors (e.g., level of motivation to change). Findings are discussed with reference to the need to be responsive to the needs of individual offenders in order to maximize the potential for program efficacy.

KEYWORDS:

• Prison
• program
• rehabilitation
• responsivity
• sequence

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank staff in the Ministry of Justice (West Midlands) for part funding the research and facilitating access to prisons.