Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #15 - What is Effective Reintegration? (ACJ15-A011)

Article 11: ‘The Open Door’ Initiative: Reintegration Through Interagency Collaboration in the Irish Prison Service (ACJ15-A011)

Abstract

Social reintegration has improved outcomes when continuity of care is provided. Training and employment programs offer the potential to ease the transition process, build the core capabilities of and foster growth in those leaving custody. The Open Door is a reintegration initiative developed in Cork Prison, Ireland in collaboration with Irish Association for Social Inclusion Opportunities (IASIO), Munster Technological University (MTU) and Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) to provide accredited training and support to those in custody. A pop-up restaurant gave potential employers a novel view of the initiative in the prison setting. The development of the initiative is explored, highlighting its replicability potential, including participant outcomes and new developments.

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Authors

Eibhlín Toomey

Assistant Psychologist, Irish Prison Service, Ireland

Eibhlín Toomey is an Assistant Psychologist currently employed by the Irish Prison Service. She has a background in Criminology prior to Psychology and now provides mental health support to those in custody in a medium security prison with both males and females. Prior to this she spent over five years working with disadvantaged groups and communities in a variety of support roles. Her research interests centre on participatory research including previous research roles implementing behaviour change interventions. She is planning to train as a Clinical Psychologist.

Colm Carey

Resettlement Coordinator, Cork Prison, Ireland

Colm Carey is a Resettlement Coordinator based in Cork Prison in Ireland. He graduated from Munster Technological University (MTU) with an honours degree in Social Care where he also worked in parttime roles with the Access and Chaplaincy Services. The role of the Resettlement Coordinator is to offer information, support and advice with pre and post release planning that may include housing applications, medical card applications, social welfare payments and access to services post release including mental health and addiction supports as part of their release plan. He has been instrumental in designing, developing and delivering multiple award winning national and European collaborative programmes over the years that have supported many clients with reintegration back into the community.

Dr. Maura O’Sullivan

Senior Clinical Psychologist, Irish Prison Service, Ireland

Dr. Maura O’Sullivan is a Senior Clinical Psychologist working in the Irish Prison Service since 1997. On completion of her undergraduate degree in UCC (1987), Dr O’Sullivan moved to the USA. She completed a Master’s degree in Counselling at the University of Virginia (1991). After working in the community with trauma victims and those involved in intimate partner violence, she completed a Masters (1994) and Doctorate degree in clinical psychology (1997). Her pre doctoral internship was completed in Poughkeepsie, New York. Further diplomas include those in public management (criminal justice administration) (2004) and applied neuropsychology (2020).

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #15 - What is Effective Reintegration? (ACJ15-A011)

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