How Impact works to liberate women and get to the root of re-offending.
When an individual is released from prison, the path to reintegration into society is often met with various hurdles. This is especially true for women, who will find a unique set of challenges, including finding employment, housing issues and parrenthood.
During a study held by Impact, it is reported that 8 out of 10 female inmates consider themselves to be from a low-income background and 6 out 10 are certain they will
return to poverty upon their release.
Charitable organisations that work with female offenders understand that breaking the cycle of poverty and reoffending requires a multifaceted approach. This means addressing not just the immediate needs of women upon their release from prison, but also the underlying issues that contribute to their involvement in the criminal justice system in the first place. - Samantha Bright
1. Lack of Access to Education and Employment Opportunities
One of the most significant links between poverty and reoffending is the lack of access to education and employment opportunities. Women who have been imprisoned often struggle to find employment upon their release. This can lead to a cycle of poverty, which can in turn, contribute to a higher risk of reoffending by finding a quick way to sustain themselves. Access to education and employment opportunities can help break this cycle, providing women with the skills and resources they need to secure stable, gainful employment and build successful lives outside of prison.
2. Lack of Access to Affordable Housing
Women who have been incarcerated often struggle to find affordable housing, which can make it difficult for them to establish a stable and secure life outside of prison. Without access to stable housing, women may be more likely to return to poverty and homelessness. Meeting the basic underlying needs of female inmates such as access to affordable housing can assist in breaking the cycle of offending.
3. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues
Many women who have been imprisoned struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues. These issues have a direct link to poverty, trauma, and other factors that contribute to involvement in the criminal justice system. Without access to adequate treatment and support, women may continue to struggle with these issues upon their release, increasing the risk of reoffending. Access to mental health such as cognitive behavioural therapy and substance abuse treatments can help to overcome these challenges.
4. Stigma and Discrimination
Finally, women in prison have noted from the beginning of time, the stigma and discrimination they face upon their release from prison. Women who have been imprisoned often face significant social and economic barriers, including discrimination in employment, hesitating to apply for positions that require a DBS and other areas of life.
Addressing stigma and discrimination and promoting greater acceptance and support for female offenders can help break this cycle, providing women with the resources and support they need to succeed.
Impact works with female offenders and recognises the importance of addressing these underlying issues first and providing women with the tools and resources they need to overcome them and effortlessly integrate into society. This might include access to counselling and therapy services, as well as educational programs focused on building skills such as improving IT & literacy skills and job preparation. The CIO understands that working with female offenders requires a multifaceted approach. This means addressing not just the immediate needs of women upon their release from prison, but also the underlying issues that contribute to their involvement in the criminal justice system in the first place.
In addition to these programs, Impact works with employers to provide job placement services and other forms of support to women who have been imprisoned and support the foundation's cause. This can include job training, mentoring, and other forms of support designed to help women overcome the barriers they face when re-entering the workforce.
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