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This project examines the resettlement experience of people previously imprisoned overseas who are supported by the charity Prisoners Abroad.

There is no statutory support for people who are deported to the UK after serving a prison sentence abroad. Many have lived abroad for most of their lives and have no real ties to the UK.

They are often completely unfamiliar with life in the UK and need considerable support with their integration into society, particularly as many of these people carry considerable trauma from their experiences.

This was a small-scale research study examining the resettlement experiences of people previously imprisoned overseas and who are supported by the charity Prisoners Abroad.

For this study, we interviewed ten individuals who had been imprisoned abroad and used the resettlement service of Prisoners Abroad. We also interviewed four members of staff from Prisoners Abroad and two individuals who work for partnership organisations.

Research findings

Prisoners Abroad administer a comprehensive service, that provides continuous and meaningful support to individuals during their prison sentence abroad, immediately upon their deportation and as they re/settle into life in the UK.

This support addresses the practical, emotional and cultural barriers that their clients face after deportation.

The charity's support provided is fundamental in preventing homelessness with this group.

Initial emergency accommodation can be sought for returnees immediately upon return to the UK, and the service then works with local authorities and private landlords to help individuals find permanent accommodation.

Ongoing support is also provided to ensure individuals can sustain their tenancies. The Prisoners Abroad working model understands that housing is a critical factor in re/settlement.

Many clients returning to the UK face a range of barriers to their re/integration.

Often this involves the trauma of the prison sentence and deportation, the unfamiliarity of UK society and its structures and difficulties in attaining employment through criminal records checks.

Our research also looks at two other factors that respondents faced:

• the digital exclusion regarding an unfamiliarity with modern technology and the internet
• the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that has delayed accessing services and support

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. We believe that the wider criminal justice system could learn from this approach.

Research impact

This work intersects two subject areas – prison resettlement and ‘crimmigration’ - this is a term used to explain the intersections between the management of migration and the criminal justice system.

The difficulties endured by these people are reflective of a wider hostile environment regarding international perspectives on deportations.

This research seeks to demonstrate the impacts that these hostile policies have on people and reflects the reality that it is small charitable organisations like Prisoners Abroad that are left to pick up the pieces in the face of these international trends.

Publications / outputs

• Ward, J. & Cracknell, M. (2023) ‘Prisoners Abroad Resettlement Service: Housing Security and Lessons for Probation'. Probation Quarterly, Issue 27, 21-25
• Cracknell, M. & Ward, J. (2022) 'The Resettlement Experiences of People Supported by the Charity Prisoners Abroad'. Presentation at the Foreign & Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), Westminster (3 November 2022)
• Webinar – Online launch of research report ‘The Resettlement Experiences of People Supported by the Charity Prisoners Abroad’ (Cracknell & Ward, 2022) in collaboration with Prisoners Abroad’ (18 July 2022)

Meet the Principal Investigator(s) for the project

Matthew Cracknell - Matt is a senior lecturer in criminology and criminal justice, with over 9 years experience of teaching and working in higher education.  Prior to working in academia, Matt worked in various roles in the criminal justice system, including working in prisons, probation and substance use.

Related Research Group(s)

Harm and Justice Research Group - The Harm and Justice Research Group brings together a diverse group of researchers, advocates, and practitioners from across the University who work on issues of harm and justice.

Project last modified 11/07/2024