Purpose

There is evidence that music programmes can have a positive impact on people in contact with the criminal justice system. However, little attention has been paid to the potential role of music programmes as people leave prison and re-enter the community. Providing support for former prisoners “through-the-gate” is important to aid resettlement and reduce the risk of reoffending. This paper aims to present research on a programme called Sounding Out: a two-year, London-based programme providing ex-prisoners with longer-term rehabilitative opportunities upon their release to bridge the gap between life inside and outside of prison.

Design/methodology/approach

The study aimed to understand the impact of the Sounding Out programme on ex-prisoners from the perspective of participants, staff and family members. Semi-structured interviews took place with 17 people: ten participants across two Sounding Out projects; six members of staff – three from the Irene Taylor Trust, two musicians and one former prison worker; and one family member of a participant.

Findings

The research provides an understanding of the impact of involvement in a carefully designed programme of music creation, skills development and work placements. Thematic analysis of the data resulted in three key themes: personal impact, focus and direction and interpersonal relationships. The findings are consistent with the body of research that demonstrates the impact of music programmes on prisoners.

Originality/value

The current study adds to the relatively limited body of evidence on the role of music programmes in the reintegration of former prisoners into the community.

中文翻译：

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“我会生活得更好，远离犯罪”：通过音乐节目探索前囚犯重新融入社区

目的

有证据表明，音乐节目可以对接触刑事司法系统的人产生积极影响。然而，随着人们离开监狱并重新进入社区，音乐节目的潜在作用却很少受到关注。为前囚犯提供“全程”支持对于帮助重新安置和降低再次犯罪的风险非常重要。本文旨在介绍一项名为“Sounding Out”的项目的研究：这是一项为期两年、总部设在伦敦的项目，为刑满释放人员提供长期康复机会，以弥合监狱内外生活之间的差距。

设计/方法论/途径

该研究旨在从参与者、工作人员和家庭成员的角度了解“探查”计划对刑满释放人员的影响。对 17 人进行了半结构化访谈：两个 Sounding Out 项目的 10 名参与者；六名工作人员——三名来自艾琳·泰勒信托基金、两名音乐家和一名前监狱工作人员；以及一名参与者的家庭成员。

发现

该研究让人们了解参与精心设计的音乐创作、技能发展和工作实习计划的影响。对数据的主题分析得出了三个关键主题：个人影响、焦点和方向以及人际关系。这些发现与证明音乐节目对囚犯影响的研究结果一致。

原创性/价值

目前的研究为音乐节目在前囚犯重新融入社区方面的作用提供了相对有限的证据。