‘I don’t know where to fit...how to fit back in...as a mum...as a person’: exploring the implications for practitioners of women’s experiences of resettlement following short-term custody

There has been limited investigation into women’s experiences of resettlement, even more so for those who have had short-term sentences. This chapter contributes to understanding in this area by drawing upon a small-scale qualitative research study that explored the release experiences of four women who served short-term custodial sentences in England and Wales. Interviews captured the narratives of the women and thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes in the participants’ experiences of the Criminal Justice System. Whilst not part of the original aims of the study, the women’s accounts also explored sentencing and custodial experiences and these underpinned broader experiences upon release. This chapter will focus on the themes of relationships, safe spaces and resettlement. At the time of the research, the author was a probation practitioner and so the chapter positions itself within the context of research-informed practice and the implications for practitioner connection.