RecruitingInterventional

A study exploring a women-only, trauma -informed residential rehabilitation pathway for drug dependent women leaving prison

This study focuses on women leaving prison who need help with drug dependency. We know many struggle to stay off drugs and find safe places to live after prison, and regular services can be difficult due to past trauma. This research explores if moving women directly from prison to a special women-only residential rehabilitation (WORR) centre can help them recover long-term. WORR offers specific women-centred support, safe housing, and help with issues like trauma, mental health, and finding work. The study aims to see if this approach improves their lives, including their health, housing, and relationships, and helps break the cycle of drug use. It's also testing if a larger, more comprehensive study to evaluate this pathway would be possible and effective.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of York

Enrolment target

Start

03 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Drug-dependent women leaving prison

What is this study about?

When women leave prison, especially if they've struggled with drug use, they often face many challenges. They might not have a safe place to live or good support to help them stay off drugs. For many women, their experiences of trauma and violence can make it hard to use drug treatment services that are also used by men. This study is looking into a special type of support called 'women-only residential rehabilitation' (WORR). These centres are designed specifically for women, offering safe places to live and help with not just drug use, but also things like trauma, mental health, and even finding a job.

The main idea behind this study is to see if sending women directly from prison to one of these WORR centres helps them recover better in the long run. We want to find out if this approach helps them stay off drugs, improves their overall well-being, helps them find stable housing and jobs, and even strengthens their relationships with their children. Currently, there isn't much information about how effective this specific type of support is, so this research is important to understand if it offers real benefits for women and their families.

This study is also a 'feasibility study', which means we're checking if the best way to properly test this idea in the future is through a larger, more detailed study. We want to make sure we get it right, considering that studies within the criminal justice system can be complex. We're also looking at the costs and benefits to see if this approach offers good value for money. Ultimately, the goal is to find the most effective ways to help women leaving prison recover from drug dependency, reduce re-offending, and improve their lives and the lives of future generations.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new way to help women leaving prison with drug dependency.
It tests if women-only rehab helps better than usual support.
Participation involves questionnaires and possibly interviews over 6 months.
Support considers past trauma and aims for long-term recovery.
Your input could help improve future services for other women.
You can stop taking part at any time, for any reason.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women aged 18 or older who need help with drug use and are about to leave prison. You should want to get support or treatment for your drug use.

To take part, you need to be able to make your own decisions about your health (this is called having 'capacity' under the Mental Health Act) and be able to understand study information in English. You also need to have at least six weeks left before you're due to be released from prison at the time of joining.

However, some women won't be able to join. This includes women who are currently on remand, pregnant, have severe mental health issues that aren't being managed well, need personal nursing care, or have significant learning difficulties that would make it hard to take part or get the support needed at the rehabilitation centres.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman aged 18 or over?
Do you need support with drug use?
Are you due to be released from prison with at least 6 weeks left?
Can you understand and speak English well enough for the study?
Are you able to make your own decisions independently?
Are you not currently on remand or pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll first be given information about the study by a researcher or a prison officer. If you agree, you’ll then be put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will go directly to a women-only rehabilitation centre for up to 12 weeks when they leave prison. The other group will receive the usual care available for women leaving prison, which might include community drug services or supported housing.

Throughout the study, a researcher will meet with you to ask about your well-being and recovery. These meetings will happen when you start, then after 3 months, and again after 6 months. You'll fill out some questionnaires, and you might be asked to provide a urine sample (this is optional) and tell us about your drug use. Some participants will also be asked to do interviews about their experiences. The researcher will keep in touch every 4 weeks by phone or text to update your contact details and offer help if you need it. You can choose to meet the researcher at your home or another safe place for these follow-up appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

If you are in the group that goes to a women-only rehabilitation centre, you could benefit from special programmes designed to help with recovery, including support for drug use, mental health, and emotional well-being. There's also specific help for women who have experienced domestic violence, sex work, or have children. Taking part might also give you a chance to reflect on your experiences in prison and contribute your views, which could help improve future support for other women. The main 'cost' of taking part is the time it takes to complete the questionnaires at the beginning, 3 months, and 6 months. There's a small chance that answering questions about your mental health or prison experiences could be upsetting, but researchers are trained to handle this sensitively. You can pause, skip questions, or stop the interview at any time. You are always free to withdraw from any part of the study whenever you choose. If assigned to residential rehabilitation, there's a possibility you might be placed far from your home or family, which could be upsetting.

Locations (4)

Hmp/ Yoi Eastwood Park
Approximate
Wotton-under-edge, England
Hmp Foston Hall
Approximate
Derby, England
Hmp Downview
City only
Sutton, England
Hmp / Yoi Styal
City only
Wilmslow, England

Common questions

What is 'residential rehabilitation'?

It's a place where you live and get intensive support and treatment to help you recover from drug use. 'Women-only' means it's just for women.

What does 'trauma-informed' mean?

It means the support and care you receive are designed to understand and consider any difficult or upsetting experiences you may have had in the past, making sure care is gentle and supportive.

Do I have to move far away?

If you're in the group that goes to residential rehabilitation, there's a chance it might be a bit further from your home or family, which is something to consider.

What if I don't want to answer some questions?

You don't have to answer any question you don't feel comfortable with. You can skip it, pause, or end the session at any point.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), a major health research funder in the UK.

How to find out more

Rachel Ellison

rachel.ellison@york.ac.uk +44 (0)1904 321799 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.