RESCALED

 Advocating for an alternative to imprisonment in the form of detention houses 

RELEASE works with Persons With Convictions to rebuild lives through restorative justice, skills training, and community-based (re)integration programs. Our focus is simple: dignity, accountability, and connection.

As the Irish Ambassador for RESCALED (2025–2026), we are championing a major shift in justice reform — moving from large, isolating prisons to small-scale, community-integrated detention houses. These local, humane environments:

  • keep individuals connected to family and community supports

  • support deeper rehabilitation

  • build real accountability, repair, and change

    Public support is clear. According to the IPRT Red C Poll (Oct 2024), 81% of people in Ireland want alternatives to prison for non-violent offences, with strong preference for treatment-based responses to addiction.

Together, RELEASE and RESCALED are shaping a justice system that works: safer for communities, fairer for individuals, and better for society.


Restorative Justice & the RELEASE RESCALED Partnership

  • Strengthen Partner Networks

    We are coordinating a growing alliance of organisations in:

    * addiction recovery

    * restorative justice

    * community reintegration

    This network is driving credible, community-led alternatives to incarceration.

  • Promote Community-Integrated Detention Houses

    We are advocating for local detention houses operated in partnership with trusted organisations. These centres offer:

    * Dignity and humane care

    * Stronger rehabilitation outcomes

    * Ongoing community connection

    * Long-term social and economic benefits

    This model reflects global best practice and RESCALED’s core principles.

  • Lead Public Education & Policy Advocacy

    Through targeted campaigns, we are highlighting:

    * The cost-effectiveness of community-based justice

    * The proven outcomes of restorative approaches

    * Alignment with national reform priorities

    Stories, research, and international examples are guiding this work.


  • Build Knowledge & Capacity

    We are hosting workshops and roundtables with justice partners, local authorities, and community organisations to build shared understanding, explore readiness, and map opportunities for rollout.

  • Drive Research & Funding Partnerships

    In collaboration with universities, philanthropies, and government partners, we are planning research to evaluate:

    * Operational models

    * Cost impacts

    * Rehabilitation outcomes

    * Community benefits

  • Grow a National Reform Coalition

    We are building a broad coalition of NGOs, practitioners, researchers, community leaders, and lived-experience advocates to co-design a national roadmap for community-based detention houses.

  • Support Local Implementation

    We provide practical guidance to communities on:

    Governance and operations

    Partnership development

    Public engagement

    Evaluation and sustainability

Our goal is long-term success — not short-term projects.

Contact Us