The Resettlement Experiences of People Supported by the Charity Prisoners Abroad

Abstract

This report is based on a research study examining the resettlement experiences of people previously imprisoned overseas and who are supported by the charity Prisoners Abroad. Ten people who had been imprisoned abroad were interviewed, in addition to four members of staff from Prisoners Abroad and two from partner organisations. Our findings highlighted that Prisoners Abroad administer a comprehensive service providing continuous and meaningful support to people during their imprisonment abroad, immediately upon their deportation and as they resettle into life in the UK. The support is fundamental in preventing homelessness. Many clients returning to the UK face a range of barriers to their re/integration including difficulties attaining employment through criminal records checks and digital exclusion issues. Despite these barriers, Prisoners Abroad staff have a clear set of values and an ethos that provides meaningful and valued help and support to a marginalised client base. These values prioritise ‘human caring’, are non-judgemental and are strengths-based in their approach – helping individuals to reach a level of self-sufficiency. The wider criminal justice system could learn from this approach.