We provide free family law advice and representation to mothers in prison to assist in re-establishing and progressing the fundamental relationship between mother and child.

0%
of women in prison are mothers.
0%
of sentences for women in 2024 were six months or less.
0
is the estimated number of children affected by maternal imprisonment each year.
Woman talking

What we do

Not Beyond Redemption provides free family law advice and representation to mothers in prison to assist in re-establishing and maintaining contact with their children. We now offer our support to mothers in all twelve women’s prisons in England.

Mother and baby

Why we do it

Women are rarely eligible for Legal Aid in private children’s law proceedings, and mothers in prison face many hurdles to represent themselves in the family court. Not Beyond Redemption fills the gap and ensures that this vulnerable cohort have access to justice.

Commuters on bridge

How we do it

We advise and represent women in prison and on their release.  We help mothers to understand their parental rights and navigate the legal system.

What we are doing is unique. No other charity supports women in this way, and we need your help.

I am so impressed with Not Beyond Redemption and I think it is amazing that a charity is picking up those that fall through the gap of not being able to obtain legal aid.

Legal advisor on a recent pro bono hearing.

Eventually I decided to take it back to court, because I’m a mother and want to see my daughter and be a part of her life. This is stressful sometimes and disheartening but you didn’t give up on me which gives me hope.

Mother serving 18 months
[Child age: 7 months]

Not Beyond Redemption is a unique and much-needed charity spearheaded by an admirable woman that aims to bring legal assistance to women in prison, to assist them with rebuilding or developing a relationship with their often estranged children. Over 17,000 children are separated from their mothers by imprisonment each year and 72% of women in prison are serving custodial sentences for a non-violent crime. Through the Sidley Pro Bono Fellowship, I was fortunate enough to spend 3 months at Not Beyond Redemption learning about these mothers, meeting them, filing court applications for them and attending hearings with them. My time at NBR was testament to the major difference that can be made to someone’s entire life when just one person decides they’re worthy of help.

Zahira Butt, Volunteer

I feel with this charity by my side I’ve got the best chance in seeing my children again, they’ve given me a voice and the power to stand up for myself and I’ve got them behind me supporting me.

Mother in prison

At HMP Send we really value our partnership with Not Beyond Redemption. Separation from children can be the hardest part of being in prison for any women. But it is even harder when they face legal battles to see their children in custody or on release. Not Beyond Redemption steps into those most challenging situations, where appropriate, and provides specialist legal advice and representation, helping the women work towards the best outcomes for themselves and their children. Our women are full of praise for the support and expertise that Not Beyond Redemption provides.

Rachel Bell, Deputy Governor at HMP Send

There are too many women in jail that have little to no contact with their children and we struggle to have someone fighting in our corner.

Mother serving 12 months
[Child age: 5 months]

The opportunity to assist women in prison with the process of reconciling or establishing healthier and stronger relationships with their children and those that care for them has been immensely rewarding. Not only are the benefits for the children involved manifest, but it feels increasingly to me like an important part of the women’s own rehabilitation journey, to know that there are loving and joyful relationships for them both during their time in prison and to anticipate on their release.

Pro Bono Lawyer

NBR is an amazing charity, I feel blessed to have them supporting me.

Mother in prison

I knew from the first meeting with you that you were going to fight hard for me. You were so passionate about what I should be getting custody wise. Then I met the others from the team and I did think they won’t be the same – sorry 🙂 But they all were!

Mother serving 24 months
[Child age: 36 months]

Not Beyond Redemption gave me hope when all hope was lost on my behalf. They have gone above and beyond for me and my son and have successfully provided me with an update on my son’s wellbeing. I will forever be eternally grateful for their services. They were polite, gentle, supportive, and kept me informed every step of the way. They are who they say they are and let you know you are Not Beyond Redemption. Thank you all so much.

A mother supported by Not Beyond Redemption

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