39. – The key is to break the pattern of prison being a way of life; they should not be allowed to settle back into a routine that has become comfortable with familiarity; 39. – The repeated behaviour should be challenged and alternatives presented in a very practical way; 39. – Contacts with community agencies should be made while the prisoner is still in prison; 39. – The possible existence of individual difficulties that might be contributing to the pattern of offending must be investigated and dealt with. CASE STUDY 2 39. – The community may have genuine fears about the possibility of the offence being committed again. Depending on the nature of the offence, the social service agency may be able to give some assurance about the likelihood of this. It might be that the prisoner has attended rehabilitative programmes or undertaken therapy while in prison. The fears and anxieties must be discussed fully and openly if trust is to have a chance of returning; 39. – The community may be concerned about the safety of a victim or prosecution witness; 39. – If the ex-prisoner is to make a successful and therefore safe return to the community, some form of employment will be necessary. This means that someone in the community must be prepared to provide it; 39. – The best formula for preventing reoffending is assimilation back into the community. 110