Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: The criminal justice system journey is turbulent, characterised by family breakdown, poor health and increased risk of suicide and self-harm. SPARC provides support to people sentenced by the courts, in their transition into prison. They are provided with a better opportunity to engage in their prison sentences, address their offending behaviour and successfully reintegrate into the community.
Methods: 289 questionnaires which included the Clinical Outcomes Routine Evaluation (CORE) were completed with individuals during their prison sentence. Focus groups were completed with 11 men in prison who had been through SPARC.
Results: Men who received the SPARC intervention displayed significantly higher levels of wellbeing, indicated by the CORE, than those who had not received the intervention. Focus groups indicated that SPARC had an immediate and long-term positive impact.
Conclusions: The SPARC service is an effective, sustainable way to assess and address the needs of prisoners entering prison custody.