A Holistic Approach to Understanding and Responding to the Multiple and Complex Needs of Women Prison Leavers in Wales

Abstract

Female prison leavers in Wales face structural disadvantages, inequalities and have multiple and complex needs exacerbated by unstable housing. The current culture of penal populism and preoccupation with risk exacerbates these issues, leaving women vulnerable to re-entering a cycle of homelessness and offending. Although there have been some promising policy initiatives (see the Female Offender Strategy, Ministry of Justice, 2018b; the Women’s Pathfinder (IOM, Cymru, n.d.), the removal of the priority need for prison leavers under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 places women prison leavers in Wales in increasingly vulnerable situations upon release from custody. This chapter provides a review of literature and policy in relation to women prison leavers and homelessness followed by empirical research on women prison leavers and professionals working with women. Issues relate to not securing suitable accommodation and opportunities in working with women prison leavers. The findings support arguments in existing literature for a more tailored approach to women focusing on their gender-specific needs. More research is required to establish how women’s multiple and complex needs interconnect so that responses can be tailored with a more holistic approach that supports them in overcoming the disadvantages they experience.