The kindness of prisoners: Strengths-based resettlement in theory and in action.

Source: (2006) Criminology and Criminal Justice. 6(1):83-106.

This article explores the notion of so-called strengths-based’ offender reintegration for prisoners returning to the community. First, we briefly explore the normative and empirical theory underlying this approach. Next, we present evidence from a case study the authors have undertaken on a particularly interesting example of strengths-based resettlement in action. It illustrates the
tensions that occur when risk-based policies collide with strengthsbased opportunities. The lessons learned in this case study are then used to develop further the theoretical understanding behind a strengths-based resettlement approach.(authors’ abstract)