Exploring an alternative model of community supervision for men on probation

Interventions aimed at reducing re-offending rates have the potential for multiple societal benefits. The Grand Avenues project is a ten-year initiative led by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in Wales in collaboration with Third Sector to support 'People on Probation' (PoP) as they return to their community post-prison. Situated in the Caerau and Ely Wards of Cardiff, it is a unique project which aims to reduce re-offending and harm by empowering individuals to take ownership of their rehabilitation journey. By being situated within the community, fostering self-support, encouraging family involvement, and promoting positive role models, the project seeks to facilitate positive reintegration into the community to enable the men to grow. A unique feature of the Grand Avenues is the provision of a Single Point Of Contact (SPOC) in supporting PoP. This provides access to a wide range of services, including those from government agencies, medical institutions, and leading charities. All addressing underlying concerns, and not solely focusing on offending behaviour, the project is designed to build a strong foundation for men and their families, ensuring a comprehensive level of both support and care.Due to the high rates of reoffending and the significant consequences for both individuals and society, contemporary models are needed to support reintegration and reduce reoffending rates. As such the model of support adopted by Grand Avenues, is contemporary. To better understand this type of approach, this research undertook an extensive mixed method exploration of the psychological and social experiences of the project participants, staff, and the participant’s family members, to identify factors critical to its delivery and effectiveness. It adopted a co-production approach, which involved collaboration with both current and former PoP on the Grand Avenues project, to investigate and understand the factors within the project, that contribute to desistance from re-offending and from the personal perspectives. The underlying premise of the research was that individuals would be more likely to desist from reoffending when they have strong family and community ties, and when they experience feelings of trust, hope, empowerment, and love. These factors are known to be essential in fostering a sense of worth, hope, and meaning in their lives (Maruna and Mann, 2019). The research integrated forensic psychology principles within the mixed method design to better understanding the complex psychological factors that influence behaviour change, in this context. Co- production ensured that the perspectives and insights of all involved was central to the development and implementation of the project moving forward, thereby, enhancing its relevance and effectiveness.Overall, the research concluded that programmes, such as the Grand Avenues project, support the reintegration of PoP through adopting a holistic and person-centred approach to criminal justice. Key components identified are central to its acceptance and adherence include identifying and emphasising the importance of community, family support, and the psychological well-being of PoP to promote positive outcomes. The research provides evidence that through the promotion of trust, hope, empowerment, and love, projects designed to support reintegration require a supportive environment with meaningful support, can encourage positive change for PoP towards desistance.