“At the end of the day you rehabilitate yourself” is a truism that is frequently expressed by successful desisters. Current interventions tend to underestimate the importance of addressing self-restorative forces in the desistance process. The key to successful desistance is helping offenders to discover and value their own human agency as an important vehicle to achieve lasting change even under difficult circumstances.

The method of Giving up Crime enables prisoners to take responsibility for their current and future life and, speed up the movement away from a life in crime. The giving up crime workbook helps detainees to actively engage in self-change by a personal reentry plan.

This method activates self restorative forces, reduces criminal motivation and has a positive impact on their motivation to change, skills and wellbeing.
While the detainee is working with the book, the support by others e.g. the mentoring practitioner/prison officer, volunteer or family member can be a valuable tool to reinforce positive changes.

Evaluation outcomes conclude that the method of Giving Up Crime is much appreciated by prisoners, reduces criminal motivation and increases success in the motivation for change. Other interesting effects: reduction in feelings of powerlessness when confronted with barriers, increases in self efficacy. Moreover, engaging prison officers in the delivery of the method contributes to a more supportive prison social climate.