Aftercare services support prisoners transitioning to community. Housing is critical for successful resettlement. Understanding available support and your rights is essential for preparing for release.
Legal Framework
Crime and Disorder Act 1998 establishes statutory duty to provide aftercare. Prison Rules 1999 address sentence planning. Offender Management in Custody (OMiC) oversees case management. Housing Act 1996 provides framework for housing assistance. Local authority homelessness provisions apply to released prisoners. Parole Board considers resettlement plans in release decisions.
Resettlement Planning
Case managers develop resettlement plan starting before release. Plan addresses: accommodation, employment, family contact, health needs, substance support, finance, education. Prisoners should engage with offender manager monthly. Resettlement interviews planned 12 weeks before expected release. Concerns about plan should be raised early. Good planning increases release likelihood and resettlement success.
Accommodation Support
Housing providers work with prisons. Temporary accommodation often available immediately post-release. Supported housing for vulnerable (homeless history, mental health, age). Local authorities must assess homelessness need. Rough sleeper liaison helps prevent rough sleeping. Emergency housing numbers should be provided. Probation can advocate for housing support. Accommodation addresses required for release.
Employment Support
Prison employment programs help develop job skills. Career advisors support job search. Some employers support ex-prisoner employment. Hidden Horizons and similar programs facilitate job placement. Work experience in prison demonstrates employment capability. Letters of reference from prison support job applications. Support continues post-release through probation.
Benefits Advice
Prisoners eligible for benefits upon release. Claim made before release if possible. Universal Credit, Housing Benefit (if eligible), Council Tax Benefit available. Benefits advisors in prisons help with applications. Delays in benefit processing addressed through advisor. Early application prevents housing loss through rent arrears.
Healthcare Transition
GP registration arranged before release. Prescriptions transferred to community healthcare. Mental health support continued through CAMHS/adult services. Substance misuse treatment available through community services. Healthcare plans provided upon discharge. Continuity of care critical for medication and psychological support.
FAQ
Who helps with housing after release?
Resettlement case manager, probation officer, local authority housing, supported housing providers. Coordination starts 3-4 months before release.
What if I have no fixed address?
Local authority has duty to assess homelessness. Temporary accommodation provided. Supported housing available for vulnerable individuals.
Can probation help with employment?
Yes. Probation linked to employment services. Job coach support available. Some employers partner with probation.
How do I register with GP?
Healthcare team provides GP list. Register before release if possible. GP access within 48 hours of release typical.
Will I get benefits?
Likely. Housing benefit, Universal Credit, Council Tax support available depending on circumstances.
What if benefits take time?
Advisors help expedite. Crisis loans available for emergency needs. Appeal decisions if wrongly refused.
Can housing be lost due to release date?
Resettlement planning prevents this. Early notification to local authority and landlords ensures continuation.
Is retraining available?
Many prisons offer NVQs, GCSEs, apprenticeships. Vocational training improves employment prospects post-release.
Author: Daniel Hockey | Resettlement and aftercare specialist, Prison Law Index 2026.
Last Updated: 2026-04-04 | Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Housing Act 1996.
