ABSTRACT

Jokinen, Johanna A rapid response model for default and short-term prisoners. The SikSak project of Criminal Sanctions Agency. 62 pages, 3 appendices Spring, 2021 Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Master's Degree Programme in the Promotion of the Health and Well-Being of People in Danger of Marginalisation Master of Social Services

This thesis evaluates the SikSak project implemented by the Finnish Criminal Sanctions Agency and the pilot of the rapid response operating model implemented within it. Default and short-term prisoners do often have health and substance abuse problems, housing problems, and accumulated general life management challenges. The SikSak project develops multi-agency co-operation, related to co-operation between the Finnish Criminal Sanctions Agency and municipalities in short prison sentences and fines. The goal of the SikSak project is for default and short-term prisoners to receive effective services during their prison time. The network-like service package ensures the customer to better attach to the services of both the Criminal Sanctions Agency and the network.

This thesis is an evaluation study in which the answers to the research questions were sought using qualitative methods. The material in the thesis was the project plan of the SikSak project, from which the author got the goals of the project. The data were collected by interviewing the employees and project employees who participated in the pilot. The material obtained from the interviews was processed by content analysis. On this basis, the pilot and the success of the project were assessed in relation to its objectives and the answer to the research questions were answered.

According to the results of the thesis, a new rapid response model was developed in the SikSak project by means of service integration design. Multidisciplinary co-operation intensified, liaison officers were appointed to municipalities and the special group of default and short-term prisoners was more visible. Challenges were seen as non-cooperation, uncertainty about the pilot, lack of customers, the Covid-19 pandemic, the attitude of the employees towards the target group and the slow response of the municipality to the contact request.

On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that the service integration design process provides concrete tools to work together in a more customer-oriented way. Well-functioning integrated services help especially the vulnerable and people who use the services a lot.

Keywords: evaluation study, service development, default and short-term prisoners