Release is a crucial time. Returning prisoners face considerable difficulties on many levels. They fall outside the various statutory services that are available to people released from prison in the U.K. In addition they are often unfamiliar with their home country which they have not seen for some time. Similarly relationships with families and friends can, take time to re-establish. For these reasons we try and keep in close touch with returning prisoners. wish, we spend time with them talking over their experiences. they need to get things off their chests which would distress their families. They find it easier to talk to someone who understands the situation and is not personally involved. In general we help them to settle back into ordinary life in the UK.
they
Often
GENERAL WORK
We campaign for prisoner transfer treaties
can,
SO that prisoners abroad
if they wish, serve their sentences in their home country. In November 1980 we published a paper on the subject. More recently we helped with the passage through Parliament of the Repatriation of Prisoners Act, which became law in August 1984. This enables the Government to ratify international treaties, on prisoner transfer. The first of these is the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons which has now been ratified by six countries including the UK., From 1st August 1985 it will operate between the UK, Sweden, Spain, France, and the USA; from 1st September with Canada as well. We intend
continue to monitor the development of this area of prisoners' welfare, and in particular to encourage the government to negotiate further such treaties with Third World Countries.
to
Over the years we have built up a considerable body of information on many aspects of legal and penal practice abroad. We continually up-date these records
that we can provide the latest information on these subjects.
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Other general work includes the daily office administration, the co-ordination of various groups of volunteers (such as penpals, lawyers, fundraisers), dealing with general enquiries from the public and Press, and maintaining close relations with other groups working in the field of prisonerg welfare.
FUTURE
As we become better known in the UK and abroad the demand for our services increases. We believe that practical help to the prisoner is paramount. The services that a British prisoner overseas can be sure of receiving from the Consular service are limited. We believe that the NCWPA can provide assistance of a
more positive and personal nature. And as
long as there are Britons in prison abroad there will be a need for an organisation such as the NCWPA.
more
If you would like any please contact us at: NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE STREET LONDON N1 OPD
TELEPHONE: 01-226-1668
information, or think we can help you,
WELFARE OF PRISONERS ABROAD 347A UPPER
November 1985
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