The Foreign Liaison Office of the Dutch Probation Service is part of the Dutch Probation Service. With the ultimate goal to reduce recidivism, the Liaison Office aims to prevent unnecessary damage inflicted on Dutch nationals detained abroad and aims to make a proper return into Dutch society possible. A team of nine coordinators offer assistance to a total of 2500 detainees abroad (June 2006). Since the start in 1975, the Foreign Liaison Office works together intensively with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its embassies. Funding is received from both the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Justice. The Liaison Office can provide a number of following services. Firstly, the Liaison Office guides a network of 275 Dutch volunteers living abroad who visit the detainees on a regular basis. They are so to speak the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Dutch Probation Service. Secondly, the office can deliver social enquiry reports and provides counselling and guidance during imprisonment. Thirdly, the International Office contributes to a proper preparation for release of the inmate and assists, within limits, in the after-care.

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