VDM Verlag Hostel Life: Sex offenders' experiences of a probation approved premises

This book reports an in-depth ethnographic study of the experiences of sex offenders within a Probation Approved Premises (hostel). The hostel is used as an example of institutions in which sex offenders are placed whilst in transition between prison and the community. Emphasis is placed upon the routines of life and the daily interactions between residents and staff. Three main areas are focussed upon. Fistly, the formal life of the hostel including views upon the purpose of the hostel, the official rules of the hostel and reintegration of residents. Secondly the informal life of the hostel is considered. This includes staff attitudes towards their role and sex offender residents, the territorial use of hostel space, grouping by residents and staff within the hostel, and how sex offender residents construct and represent themselves. The final area considered is the decision-making process within Multi-Agency Public Protection Panels regarding the risk management of sex offenders. Thus, 'Hostel Life' seeks to shed light on life inside hostel institutions for sex offenders and how they react to mechanisms designed to reform and manage them.