This study, conducted by the New Economic Foundation's consultancy, nef consulting, assesses the potential socio-economic impact (or Social Return on Investment) of PACT's IFS programmes. This assessment is on behalf of prisoners and their families, by looking at case studies, administrative data and interviews with IFS staff at HMP Swansea, Wandsworth and Eastwood Park.
The research is done in light of reduced social spending and an increasing prison population of 23% in 10 years to 87,000 (in 2012). Further, research shows that the need for families to maintain relationships is closely linked to successful resettlement. The study looks at visits, (e.g. help with arranging, supporting and intermediary work) family support (e.g. information provided, emotional support, referrals and liaising with social services) and resettlement focused assistance (e.g. housing, employment, benefits, debt advice). The findings show that IFS represents a return of £11.41 of every £1 invested. This could potentially be between £500,000 and £3.4m over a year, indicating good value for money for the tax payer. The main source of this is cost savings from reduced reoffending due to supporting of visits and maintenance of family ties. Potential savings in Health and Social care related to prisoners' families as well as through re-settlement focused planning have also been uncovered in this study. Recommendations include more IFS programmes to record their outcomes systematically so that more action can be taken in light of the economic impact of IFS programmes. Read this Economic Study of IFS Programme on the Pact website.
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