An Incentivised Substance Free Living (ISFL) wing is a dedicated prison unit that uses incentives to support prisoners who want to carry out their sentence drug-free. In practice, the design and operation of ISFLs vary considerably. This study sought to shape the ISFL model by taking a case study approach to understanding the lived experience of staff and prisoners in three prisons in England and Wales. The research team conducted 21 interviews with prison staff, 18 interviews and five focus groups with ISFL residents and prisoners in other wings, and observations in ISFL wings.
Key findings include:
Among the incentives, opportunities for talking therapies, particularly peer-led, were reported by residents to be the most effective
Positive relationships between residents and wing staff and opportunities for socialising and constructive activities contributed to a sense of community
Stability in the ISFL environment could be disrupted by inconsistent application of policies around referral criteria for recruitment of prisoners to ISFLs and in dealing with positive drug tests
Study recommendations for an ISFL model include:
Incentives focused on a support offer tailored to residents’ needs for their recovery.
Consistent staffing by experienced, appropriately trained officers who are committed to the ISFL ethos.
Clear and transparent processes for the recruitment of new residents to ISFLs and responding to positive drug tests established and implemented consistently by prisons.
Sex-specific guidance on the design and implementation of ISFLs, informed by evidence on the needs of women who use drugs in prison.
Lucy Strang is a research leader at RAND Europe, focusing on criminal justice, public health and drug policy research. She is currently leading a major study into the use of Out of Court Disposals in England and Wales to support adults with health vulnerabilities, and is a co-investigator for an NIHR grant to evaluate the UK Government's investment in treatment and recovery services as part of the 10-year drug strategy. Lucy is also currently leading three process evaluations of the implementation of Incentivised Drug Free Living wings and drug testing regimens in prisons.