What career after prison? : the provision of career management programmes in prison

Abstract

Literature in the fields of career guidance and prison programmes both highlight the importance of career guidance and career management programmes for inmates. However, while research in this field is abundant overseas, it is not the case locally. In view of this, research was carried out with the main purpose being that of learning about the needs of inmates in relation to employment after their re-entry in society and how these can be helped to meet their needs. The underlying belief in this research is that employment is a key factor in the establishment of social cohesion and well-being, which in turn is considered by many, including the EU, as desirable and a goal towards which society should be aiming. The research was carried out amongst a number of key stakeholders which included ex-inmates, professionals and a charity organisation that provides services to ex-inmates. The results obtained in the study concur with results of similar studies carried abroad, albeit there were issues that need to be interpreted and understood taking into consideration the specificity of our country - that of smallness. While, taking all factors into consideration, the essay concludes by putting forward recommendations regarding the introduction of a careers management programme in Malta's prison. The final aim of the recommendations is to facilitate as far as it is reasonably possible, for both ex-inmates as direct beneficiaries and for society as an indirect beneficiary, the re-entry process of ex-inmates into society and engagement in employment encouraging desistance from crime and social inclusion.