The role of stable accommodation in reducing recidivism: what does the evidence tell us? Chris O’Leary Abstract Purpose – This paper aims to review the available evidence on the role of stable accommodation in reducing the risk of recidivism. It seeks to answer questions about the nature and extent of such a role, whether stable accommodation on its own plays a role or as part of an overall programme, and what the implications arising from the current evidence are for policy makers and practitioners. Design/methodology/approach – The research strategy consisted of a number of steps. First, existing systematic reviews in the field were reviewed to identity relevant evidence. Following this, a standard search of the literature was undertaken to identity potential research for further consideration. Articles and books identified were subject to a three part test to determine relevance and robustness of method. Findings – The paper suggests that the evidence base is less than clear about the role of stable accommodation in reducing risk of recidivism. The extant literature can be classified as two types; the first utilises robust methods but fails to single out accommodation as a single intervention. The second often focuses on stable accommodation but fails to use Randomised Controlled Trial or quasi-experimental methods. Research limitations/implications – Taken as a whole, it is clear that stable accommodation has a potential role in programmes aimed at reducing recidivism. The nature of that role, the causal mechanisms underlying that role and the methods used to increase stability of accommodation are not clear from the literature. Originality/value – The paper provides a means of classifying the extant literature and assesses this literature in terms of its methodological robustness. Keywords Housing, Recidivism, Support, Disadvantaged groups, Ex-offenders, Social care problems Paper type Literature review Programmes aimed at tackling high-offending rates of those individuals released from prison are again high on the policy agenda (Quilgars et al., 2012). As such, much attention is being focused on the factors that might reduce the risk of recidivism and should therefore be included in such programmes. It is often assumed that stable accommodation is one of the key ingredients of successful programmes aimed at reducing recidivism for those leaving prisons. The oft-cited Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) report of 2002 stated that stable accommodation can make a difference of over 20 per cent in terms of reduction in reconviction (SEU, 2002) and recent research has highlighted that many prisoners believe that having a place to live on release was important in terms of their likely recidivism (Williams et al., 2012). However, it is recognised that the relationship between accommodation need and recidivism is complex (Grimshaw, 2002); with homelessness experienced by offenders both before (Carlisle, 1996; Williams et al., 2012) and following a period in prison (Harding and Harding, 2006). So what is the nature of the relationship between stable accommodation and reduced risk of recidivism? What are the causal mechanisms that underlie this relationship? Is stable accommodation a pre-cursor to effective programmes to tackle recidivism; one of many elements of such programmes or in of itself effective? In short, what does the evidence base tell us about the role of stable accommodation in reducing recidivism? This paper seeks to address this question. It sets DOI 10.1108/17578041311293099 VOL. 12 NO. 1 2013, pp. 5-12, Q Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1757-8043 j SAFER COMMUNITIES j PAGE 5 Chris O’Leary is based at King’s College London, London, UK.