Right at the point of release from prison, our dedicated team of Resettlement Officers work closely with local authorities and partners to help reduce the risk of reoffending.

Our individualised support process means that we are constantly adapting our services to accommodate those with the most complex needs. We also work to tackle the underlying factors that lead to offending, such as poverty, social exclusion and homelessness.

The key focus is on service users being fully engaged and involved in their continuous development plans, which will start before their release and which are aimed at building self-reliance, integrating back into the community and not re-offending. Using a one-to-one approach, these plans address: 

▪ Employment needs 

▪ Physical and mental health 

▪ Financial stability and budgeting

▪ Developing positive social networks and community re-integration 

▪ Supervision in the community/offending behaviour 

▪ Substance misuse including alcohol 

▪ Tenancy sustainment courses 

▪ Acquiring independent move-on accommodation.

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Some questions:

How do you typically approach each service user you work with i.e. onboarding, ongoing reviews etc?

We approach each person with a person centred approach, looking at their journey and what has led them to us. You have to approach each service user as an individual, each story is different and must be approached in a specific way to that person.

What makes this approach unique, effective?

We look at the service users continuous development. Identifying their needs, helping them to find a place to call their home. Thinking about how society views them - you can’t expect an ex-offender to find somewhere to live on their own. We are consistently involved in their development plan.

Accommodation plays a key role in helping an offender to re-settle in their community - this has a knock on effect for building an independent life.

What are the principles that underpin ARKRS?

TRUST - regaining society’s trust in the individual and instilling trust in the service users themselves

INCLUSIVITY – wide-ranging services for London’s diverse communities

RESPONSIVENESS – We respond to individuals, to communities, to our partners, and to changing social policy

OPENNESS - We communicate with staff, clients and stakeholders in a way that is honest, transparent and accountable. We are committed to promoting diversity and equality, individual and group respect, rights and responsibilities

INNOVATION – We embrace change and innovation.