Peer support Innovating Prisons: towards reintegration and desistance from crime (PIP-project)

11.000 people exit prison in Belgium yearly, facing 2 interwoven challenges: reintegrating into
society and achieving desistance from crime. While research highlights the transformative
potential of peer programs in addressing these issues, critical gaps remain in understanding
how, for whom and under what circumstances these programs can create meaningful change.
Therefore, PIP aims to investigate the outcomes of peer programs in prison, the mechanisms
that drive or inhibit these outcomes, and the contextual factors that shape both success and
failure. PIP will produce cutting-edge theoretical and practical insights, equipping academics
and professionals with a radically new understanding of how peer programs can reshape the
prison experience and support reintegration and desistance.
Rooted in realist science, the project starts by developing initial program theories through
realist reviews, expert interviews, and participant observations abroad (WP1). In the
participatory action research phase, 4 Living labs are co-created, each of which will be
rigorously evaluated through a multi-method framework that combines qualitative methods
(e.g. observations, ripple effect mapping) with quantitative tools like surveys (WP2). WP3
FIN-code 7022 SBO project S001626N classificatie 4
uncovers generative mechanisms and contextual factors across Living labs, resulting in a
refined middle-range theory about peer programs in prison.
Through co-creation with stakeholders, PIP produces 7 utilization key end results: 4 innovative
peer programs, overview report of (inter)national inspirational practices and innovations, cocreation
and implementation model with mechanisms and contextual factors, process and
outcome evaluation toolkits for professionals and prisoners, evidence-based policy
recommendations, and educational materials for schools. The co-creation process ensures that
outcomes are not only innovative but also deeply aligned with the practical needs and
aspirations of those who will implement and benefit from them.