Developing Collaborative and Sustainable Networks of Social Support: Community Chaplaincy, Faith Communities and the Successful Reintegration of Ex-Prisoners.

Despite an almost unprecedented resurgence of political interest in the successful resettlement of those released from custody (Burnett and Maruna 2006), there continues to exist a plethora of unresolved physical and emotional obstacles which effectively serve to militate against the successful desistance of many ex-prisoners attempting to return to the communities from which they came (Lewis et al 2007). Endeavouring to ameliorate the precarious and potentially destructive milieu into which many ex-prisoners are released, the theologically inspired and value driven Community Chaplaincy projects operating throughout England and Wales and Northern Ireland provide unconditional practical and spiritual support to those exiting custodial institutions in an attempt to improve their life chances and ultimately reduce recidivism. In light of the evidential importance of the perpetual sustainability of such projects, this article has sought to explore both the extent to which local faith communities and faith-based organisations are supporting the efforts of individual Community Chaplaincy projects and whether there exists the potential scope to develop further such collaborative partnerships in order to ensure that sustainable networks of social support continue to be available to those returning from the confines of various custodial institutions throughout England and Wales and Northern Ireland.