Breaking the Cycle: Charities working with people in prison and on release, an update for donors, funders and charities

The aim of this report is to consider the implications of recent changes in the criminal justice system on the work of charities and on the role and impact of private funding. These include changes to government infrastructure, a new approach to tackling re-offending and the reorganisation of government funding. In the last decade, the prison population has been rapidly growing, despite falling crime rates, which has had significant repercussions for the sector. The need for philanthropy for people in prison and on release remains morally, socially and financially compelling. People in prison are one of the most disadvantaged groups in the UK, and the current system is failing to rehabilitate prisoners and to reduce re-offending. By helping prisoners deal with their problems, donors can reduce re-offending, thus reducing the huge personal and social costs of crime. Nevertheless, donors should be informed and realistic about their role and their potential impact. This complex sector requires nuanced advice about what can be achieved and where private philanthropy can have the most impact, and this report provides useful context.