Recommendation
• The EPRA Working Group recommends that evaluated trials are undertaken of the blueprints presented here. We believe these will demonstrate clear benefits and cost savings, by transforming post-release support for prisoners who seek to make fundamental changes in their lives.

Background
• Previous research has shown a ‘cliff-edge’ of support for released prisoners recovering from substance abuse.
• Prison interventions can effectively initiate recovery journeys. However, prisoners’ hopes for transformation become unrealistic when they are released homeless and unsupported.
• The Ex-prisoners Recovering from Addiction (EPRA) Working Group was set up to produce evidence-based blueprints for the effective treatment and throughcare of prisoners recovering from addiction to drugs and/or alcohol.
• In the course of its work, EPRA has considered reviews of the research evidence, received reports on promising approaches around the country and had feedback from focus groups of male and female prisoners with histories of substance misuse.
• Reflecting different needs and opportunities, four blueprints have been developed separated by gender (men and women) and sentence length (short and longer sentences).