Former offenders return to custody to help prisoners prepare for release

Former prisoners are returning to custody to help prepare current inmates prepare for release as part of a new justice programme.

The initiative, a first for Northern Ireland, sees offenders supervised by probation officers passing on guidance and information based on their own experience of leaving prison and returning to the community.

It is hope the scheme will help to tackle reoffending rates which see a large number of prisoners recalled to prison in the first weeks after being released.

A number of former prisoners, who are members of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) service user forum returned last week to Magilligan Prison in Co Londonderry.

They were accompanied by PBNI director of operations Gillian Montgomery.

She said: “We know that the weeks after being released from prison is a critical time in ensuring people do not go on to re-offend.

“Research shows that a significant proportion of prisoners released from custody are recalled to prison in the first few weeks of release due to their behaviours, which increase the risk of re-offending.

“They may have a range of practical problems including, for example, accessing health services and suitable accommodation. Some may fail to comply with supervision or re-offend in the community.

“This initiative therefore aims to provide some practical support for men who are preparing for release.

“The best way of being prepared for life outside prion is to hear directly from people who have experienced release and successfully reintegrated back into the community.”

Billy, who has been on probation supervision for a number of years, is one of the former prisoners taking part in the initiative.

He said: “It’s really important that people think about the practical aspects of leaving prison and for example make sure that you get registered with a GP and have a back account set up.

“It can take time to build up trust again with family and friends because they will remember what you did that caused you to end up inside, and you need to show them by your actions that you have changed.

“We told the men we met in Magilligan about some of the things that helped us including keeping busy with a job and volunteering and working to build up a good relationship with your probation officer.”

Gary Milling, governor of Magilligan Prison, said: “Rehabilitation and resettlement is at the very heart of the work of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

“Some prisoners will be with us for a short period, others for much longer, but all of those in our care our supported on a journey that will eventually take them back into their community.

“Resettlement through rehabilitation, helping prisoners become healthier, fitter, better educated and having addressed addictions, benefits everyone in society

“This isn’t something we do alone.

“It requires a partnership approach, but ultimately, we are all working with the aim of reducing re-offending and making our community safer.”