Tech4PrisonLeavers.
Project Overview
This project aims to reduce reoffending rates and associated costs by providing digital and employability skills training to 20-25 male ex-offenders aged 18-44. Participants will gain improved digital skills and better employment opportunities, leading to sustainable employment and a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The scheme, brought to life by funding from Intel, will provide dedicated support for young people within their first year of leaving prison. The impact of the project is being evaluated by the Institute for Community Research and Development at the University of Wolverhampton.
Project Partners
Digital Poverty Alliance, Radical Recruit, Intel, University of Wolverhampton.
Also providing practical assistance through devices, data, training, and mentorship are CapGemini, Vodafone, CGI, Nacro, iDEA, We Are Digital.
Project Aims
The evaluation aims to investigate if and how the Tech 4 Prison Leavers programme to address digital poverty for young men leaving prison is:
- Working towards reduction in offending/reoffending (mediating factors).
- Improving the confidence, skills, and wellbeing of participants.
- Improving aspirations and perceived ability to find employment and achieve goals.
Context
Men make up a vastly disproportionate amount of the prison population in the UK at nearly 95%.
Multiple studies have shown that re-entry into society is far more challenging for young male adults, and this group is repeatedly forgotten about, and not equipped with enough support after leaving prison.
In fact, previous research highlighted that 40 per cent of young men released from prison into the community do not have access to education or training, whilst 47 per cent are without access to the internet.
Evaluation
Evaluation will be carried out by the Institute for Community Research and Development (ICRD) which works with, in, and for our local communities to deliver effective community-based transformational projects, drive policy developments, and promote social mobility. Their work fits into three key areas: inequality and social analysis, immigration and migration, and criminal justice and violence reduction.
They have significant expertise in evaluating the impact of programmes in prisons and with former prisoners as they re-enter the community. A selection of their research projects and reports can be found through their website: www.wlv.ac.uk/icrd
The information below briefly outlines the approach to evaluating this new, innovative programme to address digital poverty in young men leaving prison.
The evaluation will take a mixed-methods approach to understanding the impact of the programme over an initial 12-month period. Quantitative measures of change over time will be used to understand if the programme is having an impact. Qualitative methods will provide an understanding of how impact is being achieved and participant’s experience of the programme. The qualitative findings will be presented as case studies to illuminate participants’ stories and experiences. The findings will be placed within the appropriate research evidence base and policy-context.
Following the scheme, we will prepare a white paper which will share their findings with the Government in order to showcase the impact of tackling digital poverty, observing factors such as re-offending rates, with a view to a wider roll out program in future.
Our priority is to successfully resettle young adults in the best possible way to prevent further re-offending. Digital technology is a key part of day-to-day living, it is important that this group are not left behind. This is an excellent initiative that we are delighted to be part of.