Care leaver

If you are in custody or on remand

We're still here for you

Being in custody or on remand (waiting in prison while a court makes a decision about your case) does not mean you lose support from Lincolnshire leaving care service.

You are still a care-experienced young person, and we are still here for you.

If you are a care-experienced young person aged 18 to 25, your personal advisor (PA) will continue to support you while you are in custody and help you plan for your release and future.
We will listen to you, involve you in decisions, and work with you to plan for your future.

The key things to know

  • you will still get support from your PA
  • we will help you plan for release
  • we can help with housing, money and education
  • you can still contact us while you are in custody

Who will support me?

Your PA will continue to support you while you are in custody. They can:

  • keep in touch with you while you are in custody
  • help update your pathway plan
  • support you to prepare for release
  • help you access housing, money, education, training and other support
  • include you in all decision making and service provision

You can expect:

  • a visit from your PA arranged as soon as possible (within seven days) after we are told you have entered custody
  • a face-to-face visit at least every 8 weeks
  • contact from your PA at least every 4 weeks
  • additional contact by phone, video call, letter or visit where possible
  • support at important meetings or court appearances if needed
  • active anti-racist from leaving care service

If you need help or have concerns, you can contact your PA.

Prison staff

  • support your day-to-day needs while you are in custody
  • help arrange education, training, healthcare, and other services within the prison

Probation services

  • work with you when you are preparing for release and after you leave custody
  • help support your return to the community and understand any rules you need to follow after release

Your pathway plan

Your pathway plan is about your future goals, support needs, and plans for when you leave custody.

While you are in custody:

  • your pathway plan will be checked and updated regularly - within 28 days of entering custody or being held on remand
  • your pathway plan will be updated every six months, then four weeks before release, and within 28 days of being released
  • your views and wishes will be included
  • plans for housing, money, education, work, training, health, and relationships will be discussed
  • planning for your release will begin before you leave custody

Planning for your release

We want you to feel prepared for your return to the community.

Before your release, everyone involved in supporting you will work together to help you prepare for leaving custody. This may include:

  • you
  • your PA
  • prison staff
  • probation services
  • housing services
  • other people supporting you

Together we will make a plan to support your move back into the community.

What support might be available after release?

Depending on your situation, support may include:

  • help to attend important appointments
  • support with housing and settling into accommodation
  • help applying for benefits
  • support to access education, training, or work
  • help you sign up with a GP and access health services
  • help you reconnect with people who support you and build positive relationships
  • regular contact with your PA

Accommodation

Having somewhere safe and suitable to live is important.
Before your release:

  • we will talk to you about where you would like to live and the options available to you. This could include supported housing, living independently, returning to where you lived before, or other suitable housing
  • we will support you to make any housing applications needed
  • housing staff from the leaving care service may be involved in your planning meetings
  • we will work with partners to help make sure accommodation plans are in place as early as possible
  • we will aim to have a housing plan in place before your release wherever possible

Money and financial support

While you are in custody:

  • some leaving care payments may stop while you are in prison because your day-to-day needs are being provided there
  • you may be able to receive support to help you stay in touch with important people
  • you will get a monthly allowance and the regular birthday and religious festival gifts

When you are preparing for release:

  • we can discuss any financial support you may need
  • we may be able to help with essential items to support your wellbeing and daily needs
  • a basic mobile phone and credit may be available to help you stay in touch with support services and attend important appointments
  • support with clothing may be available where needed
  • if you need to claim benefits after release, we can help you while your benefit claim is being sorted

Your PA will explain what financial support is available through the Lincolnshire core offer.

Staying safe

We know leaving custody can feel challenging.

Before your release:

  • we will talk with you about anything that may affect your safety, wellbeing, or mental health
  • we will work with other people and services to make sure you get the support you need
  • we will help you identify trusted people who can support you
  • a planning meeting will be held around 4 weeks before your release

Special occasions

You will continue to be remembered on important occasions.
The leaving care service can arrange birthday and seasonal gifts in line with the Lincolnshire core offer.
Your PA can explain what is available.

If you have a long sentence

Even if you are in prison for a long time, we will still care about what happens to you and help you understand what support is available when you are preparing for release.
If you remain in custody for a long period:

  • we will make sure you know how to contact us
  • we will provide information, advice, and guidance when you are getting ready to leave prison
  • we will support you to understand the services available to help you return to the community

What you can expect from us

We will:

  • treat you with respect
  • listen to your views
  • involve you in decisions
  • stay in contact with you
  • help you plan for your future
  • work with other services to support you
  • help you prepare for a successful release

Need help?

Speak to:

  • your personal advisor
  • your leaving care team
  • a member of prison staff supporting you

We are committed to supporting you during your time in custody and helping you achieve your goals when you return to your community.

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