Social Skills in Prison and the Community: Problem-Solving for Offenders

The book "Gate Fever" describes and promotes social-skills-based methods for helping offenders cope with problems in the community, such as finding and keeping work, managing money, and controlling their drinking or violent behavior. The results of the project showed that violent offenders at Ranby were less likely to be re-convicted of violent offenses after release.

Format: Hardback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The term "Gate fever" refers to a non-medical condition that affects men in prison as their release date approaches. Its symptoms include a combination of euphoria, anxiety, and irrational thinking, often accompanied by feelings of anticipation and excitement. However, the ultimate remedy for this condition is the cold shower of reality that awaits the victim outside the prison gate.

The primary objective of this book, originally published in 1984, is to describe and promote social-skills-based methods for assisting offenders in better coping with the challenges they encounter in the community. These challenges include finding and maintaining employment and accommodation, managing finances and leisure time, interacting with others, and, in some cases, controlling their drinking or violent behavior.

The book is based on an action-research project conducted with nearly four hundred men in Ranby and Ashwell prisons and at the Sheffield day training center. It outlines the project's origins, the design and development of course materials, and the training of prison officers and probation staff to administer them. The book also examines the characteristics of the men who participated in the experiment and their problems, providing detailed accounts of the content and conduct of the courses in practice.

While the overall offending rates were not significantly reduced, the study found that violent offenders at Ranby were less likely to be re-convicted of violent offenses after their release. This outcome highlights the potential benefits of social skills training in reducing recidivism rates.

One of the significant outcomes of the project was the development of a model for working with offenders that has since been adopted by other prisons and probation areas. This model emphasizes the importance of building relationships with offenders, providing them with support and guidance, and helping them develop the skills necessary for successful reintegration into society.

A final chapter of the book discusses the challenges of conducting innovative work in penal establishments and offers suggestions for developing social skills work with prisoners and probationers. The author emphasizes the need for collaboration between prison officials, probation staff, and community organizations to create effective programs that address the unique needs of offenders and promote their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.

In conclusion, "Gate fever" is a non-medical syndrome that affects men in prison as their release date approaches. While it may generate feelings of euphoria and anticipation, the cold shower of reality awaits those who are unprepared for the outside world. This book provides valuable insights into social-skills-based methods for assisting offenders in coping with the challenges they face in the community and promoting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By adopting these methods, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their past mistakes.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032571126