Need for Targeted Interventions
Young inmates have a high risk of reoffending after release, often due to a lack of coping strategies, mental health challenges, and limited access to personal development during incarceration. The criminal justice system offers few targeted, low-threshold measures that support lasting behavioural change.
Back in the Ring – A Social Entrepreneur
Back in the Ring uses yoga and mental training as tools for personal growth and moving away from criminal behaviour. With support from Ferd Social Entrepreneurs, Back in the Ring implements a social outcome contract in four Norwegian municipalities.
Target Group
The initiative primarily targets young inmates (typically aged 18–30) serving sentences in selected Norwegian prisons, especially those with histories of trauma, substance abuse, or repeated criminal behaviour.
Impact Performance
The quantitative performance parameter is the number of programme participants that do not reoffend 1 year after the release from prison.
The outcome target is for at least 8 participants per year to complete the programme without committing new crimes, as defined by registration into the Norwegian STRASAK register. No payment will be due to the funders if fewer participants successfully complete the programme. Maximum payment will be due for 13 successful completions, with a catch-up mechanism from year 1 to 2 also in effect.
The contract has a 2-year project phase, followed by a one year evaluation phase. The evaluation phase will complete on 30th June 2025, and impact results for the programme will be available in the second half of 2025. Interim reporting indicates that no performance payment will be due for year 1 (with only 9 participants), but that signs are positive for the 15 participants in year 2.
Visit the website for more information on Back in the Ring.