<span class="paragraphSection"><div class="boxTitle">Abstract</div>This article examines the link between unresolved childhood trauma and loss issues and the impact on serious offending into and beyond early adulthood. Drawing on in-depth interview data with second- and third-generation prisoners, I revisit the work of Fairbairn and position criminal conduct as the material manifestation of the persistent and treacherous ‘return of bad objects’ in adult offenders’ lives. Close attention is given to how custodial environments address prisoners’ trauma and loss issues, and, more pointedly, to how the failure to bring such issues safely to the fore has real implications for prisoner reintegration and public safety. In concluding, I argue that even the best therapeutic work in custodial environments is liable to falter if not matched with concerted efforts to transform the social, economic and cultural milieus to which people return on release.</span>