Closed doors and windows of opportunity

Anyone who commits a criminal offence should, upon completion of their sentence, be given the opportunity to once again become a full member of society. Having access to stable housing is one of the most important conditions for a successful reintegration. However, ex-offenders’ search for a home often remains challenging. Their return to the community may lead to concerns and unrest among local residents, which can impact the area’s liveability and public order.This thesis examines the extent to which a balance is struck between the rights and interests of ex-offenders and those of their (future) neighbours. It offers suggestions for improving ex-offender access to housing while respecting other people’s right to the quiet enjoyment of their home, as well as maintaining neighbourhood safety and liveability. The study uses both doctrinal and empirical-legal research methods and presents a comparative legal analysis of the Netherlands and the United States. It concludes that, despite significant efforts to facilitate the successful reintegration of ex-offenders, there is room for improvement. Decentralised policy allows for tailored solutions but also leads to fragmentation and inequality. Local policies are often implicit, contributing to ambiguity and uncertainty. Whether the Dutch priority housing system effectively provides ex-offenders with access to housing depends primarily on the region and individual decision-makers. The thesis advocates for national guidelines to ensure consistency while allowing for local flexibility, as well as greater transparency in local policy. It also provides recommendations for improved collaboration between local authorities and partner organisations.

Dissertation: https://hdl.handle.net/11370/bff3b50a-b80d-4607-9595-e4485dd93555