Overview

Originally published in 1965, and reissued here with a new foreword, this study, as far as was known, was the first attempt in this country to look at the problems of the families of prisoners on a national scale. It took over three years and is based upon a survey of a representative national sample of prisoners and their dependants, together with an intensive longitudinal study of a smaller sample. The survey attempts to portray objectively the conditions of life for the families of a wide range of men in prison at the time, and covers stars, recidivists, and civil prisoners. Too often in prison work, the family is thought of as some external appendage, remote and irrelevant to the process of treatment and training, rather than as a continuous influence upon the man in custody, and the report aimed to correct this impression. The primary object of this research was to elicit facts upon which penologists and administrators might base future policies. There are three principal issues upon which specific recommendations are made: (1) the financial provision for prisoners’ families, (2) the improvement of social casework in prisons, and (3) the improvement of facilities for contact between the prisoner and his family. In a field in which there was much distress and concern, this study at last offered a real insight into the facts and definite suggestions for progress.

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9781032562759

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Reviews

Reviews for the original edition: ‘A source book of the utmost importance to penologists, welfare officers and lawyers … should be taken very seriously by anyone concerned with the law or its administration.’ – Sunday Times ‘This most competent and meticulous study will provide incontrovertible ammunition for all those concerned to reform a wretchedly unsatisfactory aspect of our national life.’ – The Times Educational Supplement ‘This book is of major significance. It needs to be considered seriously by everyone concerned with sentencing, and by all social workers who may work with prisoners’ families.’ – Social Service Quarterly Autumn

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