Process evaluation of drug recovery wings
A process evaluation of drug recovery wings, abstinence-based wings within prisons intended for those recovering from substance dependency.
Applies to England and Wales
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Drug Recovery Wings (DRWs) are abstinence-based residential wings within prisons in England and Wales intended for those recovering from substance dependency. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) have funded DRWs in 6 prisons in England and Wales. ICF were commissioned by MOJ to carry out a process evaluation of DRWs in 2024.
The methodology comprised: rapid assessment interviews with leadership staff and senior managers; case study visits; and a review of programme monitoring data provided by MOJ. The evaluation found that DRWs have made positive steps towards creating environments which support abstinence and benefit prisoner health and wellbeing. However, there remained challenges, such as in attracting opiate users and identifying psychosocial interventions. Drug testing and staff training could also be improved, and there was a lack of definition around what ‘recovery’ meant within the DRW context.