Prisoners Abroad Resettlement Service: Housing Security and Lessons for Probation

Abstract

Copyright © The Authors 2023. This paper reports from a small-scale qualitative study involving people imprisoned overseas and supported by the resettlement service ‘Prisoners’ Abroad’ following deportation to the UK. A key focus of Prisoners’ Abroad resettlement work is assisting ‘returnees’ into secure accommodation and to retain housing tenancies over the longer-term in efforts to prevent homelessness. The centrality of housing from the perspectives of both the service users and Prisoners Abroad staff provide important insights and lessons for wider probation practice. Without a housing base, people lack the certainty and stability needed to address practical and emotional issues typically experienced after prison. Moreover, to establish the requisites for everyday functioning so that moving forward can be achieved.