This book is the result and the coalescence of two projects.

A first project – carried out during five years (2014-2019) by 11 researchers from three faculties of Ghent University – conducted scientific research in order to develop strengths-based strategies for persons subjected to an internment measure and their families. The project focused on the capabilities, needs and aspirations of these persons, rather than on what they are not able to do or on the risk they might present.

A second project was developed by Natalie Aga and Lieven Nollet, who found each other in an idea for an extraordinary photo project about persons subjected to an internment measure and their families. Grounded in his interest in a strengths-based approach, Lieven, in cooperation with Natalie, saw opportunities for a study using new and different representations of persons subjected to an internment measure. Most of these persons are not locked up in a secure environment, but try to continue or expand their lives, often after a period of deprivation of physical liberty.

Consequently, this book is a representation of a scientific project as well as a photo project, with one common thread: persons subjected to an internment measure and their families are also persons with strengths, whose narratives and pictures deserve to be heard and seen.

(All texts are both in English and in Dutch)