Reducing reoffending: lessons from a Scandinavian model 

From a webinar by Nesta

UK prisons have reached a capacity crisis. Overcrowding, resource constraints and poor conditions are harming efforts to rehabilitate prisoners. How should policymakers look to solve this crisis?

In a webinar, Nesta looked to the US to draw insights from an experimental approach designed to reduce prison violence, boost morale and lower recidivism rates, with experts who implemented the scheme.

They took an in-depth look at the outcomes of the Little Scandinavia Prison Unit – a small subdivision of a prison outside of Philadelphia focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration. Its model is based on prisons in Scandinavia, a region with recidivism rates 25% lower than in the UK. Based on the ‘principle of normalisation’, it asserts that life inside the prison should resemble life outside, with the only punishment being incarceration itself. Reports so far have revealed that within the unit violence is practically non-existent, staff morale is higher compared to the rest of the prison and the use of restricted housing for rule violations is down by 50%.

The project started with a team of academics and prison officials who wanted to bring Nordic prison practices to the U.S., specifically Pennsylvania. Scandinavian prisons are all about trust, social welfare, and rehabilitation, which leads to low reoffending rates (around 20%) compared to over 60% in Pennsylvania. The "Little Scandinavia" unit has a totally different vibe, with single cells, communal kitchens, plants, fish tanks, and comfy furnishings. This setup makes the environment less stressful for everyone. Officers are trained to engage more with prisoners, moving from strict enforcers to supportive roles, which has significantly reduced violence and rule violations.

The key features and impact are:

• Chill Environment: The unit has calming colours, natural elements, and communal spaces designed with input from staff and architects. It's a stark contrast to traditional American prisons with bars and harsh lighting.
• Building Relationships: Officers are encouraged to build meaningful relationships with inmates. They get training in Sweden and Norway and their roles include cooking and community engagement, which is pretty unique for U.S. prisons.
• Positive Outcomes: Over three years, the unit has seen almost no violence, a halving of rule violations, and a 75% reduction in the use of isolation. Staff report better mental health and job satisfaction, and inmates find the environment less stressful.
• Fair Access: A lottery system ensures fair access to the program, avoiding biases and preferential treatment.

Could this be adapted for the UK?

Despite the old infrastructure in the UK, changes like colour schemes and noise-dampening are possible. Staffing ratios and training are crucial, with a need for better, ongoing professional development for officers. The gap between the complex needs of prisoners and the minimal training officers currently receive is a major barrier to effective rehabilitation. Current training is lacking, with only a few weeks provided and no ongoing professional development. The project advocates for recruiting officers with the right values and competencies, supplemented by extensive training and support.

Barriers could be:

1. Philosophical Differences. In Scandinavia, the focus is on rehabilitation from the outset, while elsewhere, the emphasis is on retribution and punishment. 
2. High Recidivism Rates. Recidivism rates are significantly higher in UK than those in Scandinavian countries. 
3. Staff Recruitment and Retention. Recruiting and retaining high-quality and experienced prison officers is a significant challenge. The project requires officers to engage more deeply with prisoners, which is a departure from the traditional role of prison officers. This shift in responsibilities requires extensive training and support.
4. Infrastructure Limitations. Implementing the "Little Scandinavia" model in existing prisons, which are often designed for maximum security and control, poses a significant challenge. The physical environment of the prisons needs to be transformed to create a more humane and rehabilitative atmosphere.
5. Public Perception and Political Will. There is a risk of public and political resistance to the project, as it may be perceived as being "soft on crime." 
6. Financial Considerations. The initial setup costs and increased staffing ratios required for the "Little Scandinavia" unit are significant. While the overall operational budget of the prison remains median compared to others in the state, the project requires creative use of existing resources and partnerships with health and third-sector organizations to be financially sustainable.
7. Systemic Issues. Addressing systemic issues such as racial disproportionality and building trust between staff and prisoners are crucial for long-term reform. These challenges require a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the immediate scope of the "Little Scandinavia" project.

The initial costs for the "Little Scandinavia" unit included around $500,000 (£400,000) for setup and increased staffing ratios (from one officer per many prisoners to roughly one per three). However, the overall operational budget of the prison remained average compared to others in the state. Benefits include reduced staff sick leave, better staff well-being, and fewer violent incidents, which may offset costs in the long run. Adapting this model in UK prisons may require creative use of existing resources and partnerships with health and third-sector organizations.

The project is expanding in the USA to include units in maximum security, women's, and rural prisons, testing the scalability of the model. It is important to note the autonomy for governors and frontline staff to innovate and adapt practices locally. Third-sector organizations play a vital role in providing rehabilitative programs and supporting cultural change within prisons. Addressing systemic issues like racial disproportionality and building trust between staff and prisoners are crucial for long-term reform.

The consensus is that while challenges remain, the "Little Scandinavia" model offers a promising pathway to humane, effective prison reform by reimagining the prison environment, empowering staff, and focusing on rehabilitation over punishment.

Watch the 64 min webinar here (a presentation can be found from 6m - 20m. Then there is a panel discussion):
 

Read the article here.