Citation

Bennett J, Shuker R. Int. J. Prison Health 2017; 13(1): 19-24.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Emerald Group)

DOI

10.1108/IJPH-08-2016-0036

PMID

28299973

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to describe the work of HMP Grendon, the only prison in the UK to operate entirely as a series of democratic therapeutic communities and to summarise the research of its effectiveness.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The paper is both descriptive, providing an overview of the work of a prison-based therapeutic community, and offers a literature review regarding evidence of effectiveness.

FINDINGS The work of HMP Grendon has a wide range of positive benefits including reduced levels of disruption in prison, reduced self-harm, improved well-being, an environment that is experienced as more humane and reduced levels of reoffending.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE The work of HMP Grendon offers a well established and evidenced approach to managing men who have committed serious violent and sexually violent offences. It also promotes and embodies a progressive approach to managing prisons rooted in the welfare tradition.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Female; Male; Health Status; Rehabilitation; Criminal justice system; Health Services Accessibility; Prison; United Kingdom; Prisons; Prisoners; Mental Disorders; Prison psychiatry; Therapeutic Community; Psychological health; Organizational Culture