Life after release from prison: the experience of ex-offenders with intellectual disabilities

Aim: In the UK, little is known about the experience of exprisoners with intellectual disabilities (ID). This exploratory study investigates what life is like for ex-offenders with ID who have left prison. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 men with ID who had left prison at least 9 months before. The interview explored men’s views of post-prison life, including the opportunities, challenges, and the support from professional services. Interviews were subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The upheavals of postprison lives appeared to be ‘normalised’ by the men with ID. Some had to adopt a ‘hard man’ identity to protect themselves from harm. Hostile relationships with staff wereinformed by their experiences of restricted, insufficient, and problem-focussed support, whereas a person-centred support was appreciated. Friends and family played an important role in their lives. Conclusions: More attention is needed to investigate the type of support offered by professional services. It was clear that an individualised approach was the preferable support style. Further understanding of the men’s life within their social context would benefit their community re-entry.