Service user experiences of a psychologically enhanced resettlement service [PERS] in an English open prison
The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Article publication date: 11 May 2022
Issue publication date: 28 June 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of adult male prisoners presenting with personality difficulties in an open (Category D) prison in the UK and their experience of a pilot offender personality disorder (OPD) pathway Psychologically Enhanced Resettlement Service (PERS) in the prison.
Design/methodology/approach
Thirteen participants who had engaged with PERS were interviewed about their experiences of open conditions and the service. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
Two superordinate themes were identified relating to participants’ experience of open conditions, highlighting the challenges they faced. These were “the impact of institutionalization” and “relational barriers”. Two superordinate themes were identified relating to participants’ experiences of PERS; these were “relationships with staff” and “service structure”. Each superordinate theme had subordinate themes.
Research limitations/implications
Analysis is based on a small number of interviews in one male prison, and only qualitative data were collected. A mixed-methods approach would enable the triangulation of results.
Practical implications
Clinical importance for the pilot service is established, and there should be consideration for the rollout of PERS to other open establishments.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the experiences of Category D prisoners within the open estate engaging with a pilot OPD pathway service. Findings illustrate the difficulties OPD service users encounter managing the transition into open prison conditions and highlight elements of the PERS model that can support this process. Clinical and research implications are identified.
Keywords
Citation
Jarvis, D., Shaw, J. and Lovell, T. (2022), "Service user experiences of a psychologically enhanced resettlement service [PERS] in an English open prison", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 241-252. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-11-2021-0061
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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