| Rebuilding the lives
of individuals after they leave prison involves
the help of organisations working across the criminal
justice system, churches and volunteers. The CFEO
office is keen to work alongside each of these
groups to help settle individuals back into their
communities.
Organisations working in the criminal justice system
We work closely with related organisations by
putting ex-offenders in touch with support agencies.
Support agencies are involved in the resettlement
of ex-offenders, and include the following:
Churches
Prison chaplains make the first contact between
the prisoner and the CFEO
office. Self referrals are also made, and in both
cases we will establish the support needed through
the completion of an initial contact sheet and
a risk assessment.
During this initial assessment period, a review
is made of the individual needs of the ex-offender,
and support is then put in place through contact
with the various agencies. Ideally, the support
organisation will be in contact with the prisoner
before their release from prison, in order to
establish a relationship early on.
Due to the nature of tagging, this may not always
be possible before the release date.
Volunteers
The CFEO
office has identified, trained and supports a
pool of volunteers involved in the resettlement
of ex-offenders.
The role of volunteers is wide and covers key
jobs such as:
-
meeting individuals at the gate on release
day
-
befriending individuals
-
helping with completion of forms, CVs,
benefit applications etc
-
supporting individuals at interviews for
housing
-
helping in other practical ways
Mentors
Volunteers who choose to mentor ex-offenders
receive training in skills such as listening and
coaching, which enables them to respond to the
needs of ex-offenders.
Mentors meet regularly with their mentee, offering
them the opportunity to talk through issues, ranging
from relationships to how to respond to practical
matters - for example, completing benefit forms.
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