Throughcare - Leaving prison

Voluntary Throughcare for those that are released from short-term prison sentences (under 4 years)

If you have been released from custody on a short-term sentence of under 4 years, you can ask for our support on a voluntary basis, either before release or at any time for a year after the release date. Voluntary support can help with practical matters, as well as emotional support.

Throughcare for long-term prisoners (4 years or over) or for those jailed for sexual offences

In some circumstances, prisoners will be allocated a worker from our service, usually when they will need to be supervised by us on release. We will keep in contact during the prison sentence, and attend the prisoner's annual Integrated Case Meetings.

There are a number of different orders and licences which will result in us being involved on release:

Supervised Release Order

If the Court sentences someone to less than 4 years in custody, but believes that they are a risk to the public, they can impose a Supervised Release Order for up to one year after release. This will involve regular appointments with us to address offending behaviour, and support with reintegration into the community.

Short-Term Sex Offender Licence

Any person convicted of a sexual offence and sentenced to between 6 months and 4 years in custody will be subject to compulsory supervision arrangements from the date of release until the end date of their sentence, which will include regular appointments with us, and a licence with conditions they must abide by, which is set by the Parole Board.

For further information, visit the Parole Board for Scotland website.

Parole Licence

Where a prisoner is sentenced to imprisonment of 4 years or more, they become eligible for parole when they complete half their sentence. Parole is only given if the Parole Board, informed by Social Work reports, believes that the prisoner is manageable in the public. If parole is granted, a licence is imposed with conditions that the prisoner must abide by. They will need to attend regular appointments with our service, and show that they are complying with their licence. Failure to do this can result in being returned to custody for the remainder of their sentence.

For further information, visit the Parole Board for Scotland website.

Non-Parole Licence

If a prisoner is not granted Parole, at a certain point in their sentence they will be released on Non-Parole Licence. Once released, the same conditions apply as on Parole Licence.

Extended sentences

For particularly serious offences, where the Court believes that there is a risk to the public, they can extend the period on licence by up to 5 years in the Sheriff Court, and 10 years in the High Court.

Life Licence

Once the years of punishment set by the Court has expired, Life prisoners will be considered for release by the Parole Board. Life prisoners will only be released on a Life Licence if it is felt that they no longer pose a threat to public safety. The licence will remain in place indefinitely, and will contain the rules that the Life prisoner has to abide by. They will need to attend regular appointments with our service, and show that they are complying with their licence. Failure to do this can result in being returned to custody.

Order of Lifelong Restriction

An Order for Lifelong Restriction is made by the Court following specialist risk assessment, where there are concerns that the person presents a high risk to the public. Once imposed, they will only be released from custody if it is felt that the risk has reduced. They will be subject to licence conditions and subject to recall to custody for the rest of their life.

For further information, view the Order for Lifelong Restriction - RMA - Risk Management Authority.

Pre-prison release / Day of release checklist for professionals

Pre-release

Develop Pre-Release Support Plan covering below as a minimum.

Day of release