Offenders - agencies and communities
Agencies and communities provide a rich source of information and insight into the lives and welfare of vulnerable groups.
Apex Trust
Apex Charitable Trust seeks to help people with criminal records to obtain appropriate jobs or self-employment by providing them with the skills they need in the labour market and by working with employers to break down the barriers to their employment.
Butler Trust
The Butler Trust is an independent charity that recognises commitment, hard work and the innovation of those working in UK prisons, and encourage effective care for offenders through its annual award scheme and development programme.
Clinks
Clinks was established to strengthen and develop the partnerships between voluntary and community-based organisations and the Prison and Probation Services in England and Wales. The organisation is also involved in national policy development. The website describes the different services Clinks offers. Publications can be downloaded and newsletters focussing on particular topics and a regular ebulletin are available.
Howard League for Penal Reform
The Howard League for Penal Reform is an independent charity which works to reform the criminal justice and penal system. Resources include those developed for campaigns run by the League. The website also has a membership area and there is a separate website for the Howard League Scotland.
Jan-net Ltd: UK Forensic and Criminal Justice System and learning disability network
Jan-net Ltd hosts this network which is aimed at "practitioners and people with an interest in people with a learning disability in secure settings, in or at risk of contact with the Criminal Justice System". The Jan-net Ltd website provides information on the network's activities and how to join. Membership is free.
NACRO
NACRO is a charitable organisation aimed at crime reduction. It provides resources and guidance for staff as well as some services such as resettlement and education for offenders.
Offender Health Research Network
The Offender Health Research Network is funded by Offender Health at the Department of Health, and is a collaboration between several universities. The Network aims to develop a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency network focused on offender health care innovation, evaluation and knowledge dissemination. The resources section of the website is designed to provide staff, researchers and students working within offender health with information, advice and assistance on important aspects of offender health research. It also includes a research library listing research papers across a range of workstreams.
Offenders' Families Helpline
The Offenders' Families Helpline is a free and confidential service for anyone who is affected by the imprisonment of a close family member or friend. The website also provides frequently asked questions and a range of information sheets offering guidance about aspects of the prison services and related issues in England and Wales.
PrisonReform.org
PrisonReform.org lists government sites, campaign groups, support groups, charities and other organisations related to prison, prison reform and penal reform (mainly within the United Kingdom).
Prison Reform Trust
The Prison Reform Trust works to ensure that prisons are just, humane and effective. The Trust provides a wide range of publications including information booklets for prisoners and the Bromley Briefings prison factfiles.
The trust is running a campaign, callled Out of Trouble, which is working to change things at national and local level to reduce the number of children and young people who are imprisoned in the UK by collecting evidence, raising awareness and seeking to influence government and the youth justice system.
PrisonerActionNet
PrisonerActionNet is aimed at prison officers, probation officers, voluntary and community agencies and housing officers. Registration, which is free, is required in order to access guidance and resources and participate in the discussion forum.
Prisoners' Advice Service
The Prisoners' Advice Service (PAS) is an independent registered charity which provides legal advice and information to prisoners in England and Wales regarding their rights, particularly the application of the Prison Rules and conditions of imprisonment.
Prisoners' Education Trust
The primary focus of the Prisoners' Education Trust's is the provision of funding for distance learning courses for prisoners and also peer mentoring for learning. The Trust is also involved in a number of programmes and projects such as the Youth Education Project offering men in Young Offender Institutions the opportunity to gain skills and qualifications.
Royal College of Nursing: Nursing in Criminal Justice Services community
This RCN community is for all nurses working in the criminal justice services. The community pages provide an area for news, features, events and other resources and a discussion forum available to members.
SmartJustice
SmartJustice provides information about best practice government and voluntary sector initiatives that provide interventions in the community that tackle the causes of crime. These include initiatives for young people, women, adult offenders and those with drug, alcohol and mental health problems.
User Voice
User Voice is a charity led and delivered by ex-offenders who foster dialogue between users and providers of services within the criminal justice system. Its mission is to engage those who have experience of the criminal justice in bringing about its reform and to reduce offending.
Women in Prison (WIP)
Women in Prison (WIP) is a charity working with women at risk of going to prison, in prison and after release to promote their resettlement, personal development, education and training. WIP also aims to educate the public and policy makers about women in the criminal justice system and to promote alternatives to custody.