Our Custody Offer for care leavers

If you are a care leaver and spend time in custody, we will make sure you are supported throughout your sentence and after release.

If you are under the age of 18

In addition to your Social Worker, Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and Personal Advisor (PA), you will also have:

• a worker from the Youth Offending Service
• a worker from the Offender Manager Unit in your custodial facility

What we do:

• regular visits from all support workers (Social Worker every 28 days)
• work together to keep you safe and ensure access to health, emotional support, education, money and visits
• work with the staff in your custody facility to create a safe space for care leavers in custody to meet and support each other
• hold regular meetings with you to develop a constructive plan of activity whilst you are in custody to ensure your time is used effectively
• prepare for your release and make sure you know what support is in place
• work with your family or support network so they understand your plan

If you are age 18 or over

We will:

• visit you in prison monthly to check your wellbeing and support needs are being met
• ensure there is a safe space for care-experienced young people to meet and support each other
• help you make the most of your time in custody and develop skills
• work with prison officers to give you access to opportunities that improve your prospects after release
• support your aspirations and review your Pathway Plan

Our PA Prison Lead attends drop-ins at:

• Holme House
• Northumberland
• Deerbolt
• Durham

The purpose of these drop in’s are to help you through your time in custody, improve your situation and promote your needs, as well as making you aware of our Offer to our Care leavers.

If you are in a prison further away, we will keep in touch monthly via visits or video calls.

Financial support

We provide £20 per fortnight for toiletries and spending money while you are in custody.

After release

You will continue to receive the same level of support. Your dedicated PA will remain your main contact and continue working with you and your family.