Foreign Prisoner Support Service

Established 1995. 

The most comprehensive online humanitarian service promoting awareness about prisoners incarcerated in a country other than their own; and an advisory service for their loved ones. 

We provide a point of contact for families and help them understand how to best navigate the diplomatic minefield of foreign incarceration.

We have world-wide connections in diplomatic, legal, academic, media, security and many other professions, who can advise on a broad range of issues relevant to social justice, human rights and foreign imprisonment. 

Consultancy for cases involving; kidnap, death penalty, and travel safety.

Prisoner Assistance

WE DO NOT ACCEPT DONATIONS OR COLLECT MONEY FOR OR ON BEHALF OF PRISONERS OR THEIR FAMILIES. We can help connect you to experienced lawyers who understand the legal, social and cultural environment in the country where you are detained.  It is vital you engage only those 'experts' who have proven experience in developing sound strategies to secure best outcomes. Of course, there are no guarantees when dealing with the complexities of foreign internment, but there are ways to give you the best chance of being treated fairly. 

Practical Support

In many countries prison food is inedible or simply doesn't provide the nutrition needed to stay healthy. Through our broad networks we will do our best to connect you with a support base that can help provide practical support.  We have a number of campaigns currently underway where we have connected prisoners to volunteers; these may be holidaymakers visiting the prison and who are willing to take food and water and other basic survival supplies to the prisoner. We have volunteers who become 'pen pals' to prisoners, some whom we have not been directly involved in assisting but who have asked to be included on our campaign list. We also receive many enquiries from people living in-country who offer to become regular prison visitors. This may alleviate some of the burden on the family, who may not be able to visit weekly, which is often the case. We do not accept funds on behalf or for prisoners or their families. If you wish to provide financial support to prisoners then you should contact the relevant Government agency (Embassy Consular Officer may advise you). 

Family Assistance

When a family learns that their loved one is detained by foreign authorities, it can be a frightening experience. Often families don't know who to turn to for help. We connect families and prisoners with experienced professionals familiar with both international and local laws. We do not accept payment for doing this. Whether you need information, advice or just someone to talk to, we care about your ordeal. Our services are free of charge.

After Prison Care

For many, release from prison can bring a whole new set of challenges for both the prisoner and their loved ones. A return to language and culture, the lack of a 'familiar routine', even if it was a restricted one, can all be quite daunting. Resettlement issues need to be carefully examined and strategies put in place to make the transition successful. We can help connect prisoners and their families to proper and extensive support to ease that transition.  We often help returnees connect with agencies that can help them guide them to independence.  

Foreign Prisoners Support Service PO Box 5401, West End Q 4101 Australia Or visit us on Facebook