The future of debt advice and financial capability in a criminal justice setting

This practice note highlights the importance of providing effective debt advice and promoting financial capability for prisoners and ex-offenders. It draws on a Ministry of Justice funded ‘Developing Academic Policy Engagement (DAPE)’ project jointly undertaken by academics and practitioners to provide evidence-based guidance on a significant policy issue. The project identified four key themes for best practice. First, the need for a clear understanding of the unique debt environment for prisoners and ex-offenders, second the importance of confidentiality and consent, third acknowledging that there can often be a suspicion of authority, and fourth recognising debt as one element in a broader picture of complex need. The practice note discusses these themes alongside analysis of challenges and opportunities presented during the early period of a new UK government.