City Research Online

Abstract

Being Young Inside explores what it means to receive and serve a long prison sentence at the point of transition into adulthood. Drawing on in-person consultations with 41 young men serving sentences of 10 years or more across four prisons in England and Wales, alongside written contributions and existing evidence, this report examines how young adults experience the shock of sentencing, adapt to life in custody and attempt to build a future while growing up behind bars. It highlights the distinct developmental, social and emotional challenges faced by this group, many of whom entered prison with prior experiences of exclusion, care, trauma and institutional intervention, and considers how prison regimes can either entrench harm or support growth. At a time when sentence lengths for young adults are increasing, the report calls for a coherent and trauma-informed approach that recognises young adulthood as a critical stage of life. Without meaningful opportunities for progression, purposeful activity and supportive relationships, young people risk spending their formative years surviving custody rather than preparing for life beyond it.

Publication Type:	Report
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Departments:	School of Policy & Global Affairs School of Policy & Global Affairs > Department of Sociology & Criminology
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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