Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #13 - What Else Works ... Volume 1 (ACJ13-A001)

Desistance from crime involves not only the termination of offending (also referred to as “primary desistance”), but also some level of transformation of self-identity and self-worth (also referred to as “secondary desistance”). Such transformation is usually presented through a “narrative of change” (Gadd and Farrall, 2004) linked to taking on new roles (such as parent, employee, coach, etc.) that are no longer associated with offending. Avenues for transformation and pro-social role development are difficult to come by for many of those involved in the criminal justice system who are disproportionately drawn from socially excluded backgrounds. Coupled with the stigma attached to a criminal record, offenders also typically have low levels of pro-social capital (Kay, 2020), few positive relationships and limited employment prospects, all of which are required to support successful rehabilitation efforts (see Kay and Monaghan, 2019). Research has shown that a “catalyst for change” (see Maruna, 2001) is fundamental to successful desistance and rehabilitation efforts, and research is beginning to show that engagement in sport and physical activity can potentially act as such a catalyst (Meek and Lewis, 2014). The introduction of the Twinning Project in 2018 within the HM Prison and Probation Service, which aims to utilise football coaching to tackle the “revolving door” of offending (Padfield and Maruna, 2006), was therefore a timely and important initiative.

 

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