Hostel post prison
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My partner had been told he has to go to a hostel for 6 weeks. This particularly stings as it will be over Christmas. He has a home to come to, no other authorities involved. Has meaningful activity on release.
Does anyone have any experience with hostel stays and it they are as soon as they are told? If it can be disputed or negotiated?
It seems so daft when there will no doubt be other people in need of shelter, particularly over the Christmas period.
Does anyone have any experience with hostel stays and it they are as soon as they are told? If it can be disputed or negotiated?
It seems so daft when there will no doubt be other people in need of shelter, particularly over the Christmas period.
When my person was put in hostel, he was placed where they apparently have a bed it was 100 miles away . He's back now but was really really tough. X
Hi Sal
Gosh not long now x unfortunately this is common practice for our offenders, they can be placed in an AP for up to 3 months upon their release which is so unfair, a guy where my son is gets released on Weds but he also has to go to one, they say it is to help them back out in the community, but I really dont understand why they cannot come home just another hurdle but you will get there, I think so long as they return by a set time they can be out during the day, hopefully he will get somewhere not to far from you x
Has he been told he needs to report to the police station to give his details etc for the register on the day of release? Xx
Gosh not long now x unfortunately this is common practice for our offenders, they can be placed in an AP for up to 3 months upon their release which is so unfair, a guy where my son is gets released on Weds but he also has to go to one, they say it is to help them back out in the community, but I really dont understand why they cannot come home just another hurdle but you will get there, I think so long as they return by a set time they can be out during the day, hopefully he will get somewhere not to far from you x
Has he been told he needs to report to the police station to give his details etc for the register on the day of release? Xx
SAL, I was only thinking about you today and conscious that release wasn't far away. These decisions make absolutely no sense whatsoever, I hope they are placed somewhere close by.
Being home with those that love and support them is far more beneficial to adjustment. This is something we've discussed recently as being a possibility when my husband is released but we still have some time to go. x
Being home with those that love and support them is far more beneficial to adjustment. This is something we've discussed recently as being a possibility when my husband is released but we still have some time to go. x
He is going to talk to his PO about why he's being put in the hostel and for so long (others I know that have been released have only been in for 10 days).
I found this that others might find helpful.
https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/adviceguide/approved-premises-ap/
A summary take out below.
I understand that in some cases this is really needed to be able to get back on your feet. The space in the hostel seems wasted on my person who has money to support himself, somewhere to live and effectively a job for 6 months (not a job as such, but our new home is in need of complete renovation and this will be his full time job). He is also studying a degree. There are for sure more people in need of the support. I've read and listened to so many things about prison and the justice system, so often they seem to not support those in need of it the most. The hostel stay seems more like additional punishment than support or rehabilitation in my partners case.
Any advise people may have is much appreciated.
PI32/2014 Approved Premises contains guidelines for probation staff about making referrals. It suggests that referrals should be made sparingly and with careful consideration.
There are a number of things they should consider, including
how the placement would contribute to managing risk and reintegration back into the community
which premises and location would be suitable, and if the location would disrupt resettlement and/or continuity of support for health
if the expected benefits are realistic in a short time
alternatives that may be able to manage risks and needs should always be explored, including curfews and electronic monitoring
if you have already demonstrated compliance through open conditions and ROTL
I found this that others might find helpful.
https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk/adviceguide/approved-premises-ap/
A summary take out below.
I understand that in some cases this is really needed to be able to get back on your feet. The space in the hostel seems wasted on my person who has money to support himself, somewhere to live and effectively a job for 6 months (not a job as such, but our new home is in need of complete renovation and this will be his full time job). He is also studying a degree. There are for sure more people in need of the support. I've read and listened to so many things about prison and the justice system, so often they seem to not support those in need of it the most. The hostel stay seems more like additional punishment than support or rehabilitation in my partners case.
Any advise people may have is much appreciated.
PI32/2014 Approved Premises contains guidelines for probation staff about making referrals. It suggests that referrals should be made sparingly and with careful consideration.
There are a number of things they should consider, including
how the placement would contribute to managing risk and reintegration back into the community
which premises and location would be suitable, and if the location would disrupt resettlement and/or continuity of support for health
if the expected benefits are realistic in a short time
alternatives that may be able to manage risks and needs should always be explored, including curfews and electronic monitoring
if you have already demonstrated compliance through open conditions and ROTL
I'm hoping my son ends up in a Cat D open prison - not sure if sex offenders are moved onto this category though? A pal of ours spent a month in a homeless hostel and he said it was awful - I really dread my son being in a place like that to be honest.
my son has recently been moved to another part of the prison. It's a separate block with a much calmer routine. His room is more like a flat than a cell with no bars. Although he has to share. Lockdown rarely happens only during staff shortages/training etc. I feel this is a rehabilitation wing within the prison.
just think if the foundation organise another category: ie moving on (?) this thread could be the beginning!
my son has recently been moved to another part of the prison. It's a separate block with a much calmer routine. His room is more like a flat than a cell with no bars. Although he has to share. Lockdown rarely happens only during staff shortages/training etc. I feel this is a rehabilitation wing within the prison.
just think if the foundation organise another category: ie moving on (?) this thread could be the beginning!
Just nudging this up - Does any have any experience or success in challenging what the PO decides to implement?
My person will try his best to make his case that the hostel is not the best place for him, but feels that if they've made their decision they won't back down. His PO had also said he will not be allowed access to the Internet, much like being placed in a hostel this restrictions will significantly impact his ability to rebuild his life and something we will have to make a case for.
@smile I have read reviews on this hostel and they do seem good and provide help, so they do definitely have their place and serve a purpose, especially for those that may not have support and means ones released. Unfortunately we've worked hard to make sure he has a home, a life, support, meaningful activity upon release and he's already studying a degrees - These are all the things that hostels are meant to help with.
My person will try his best to make his case that the hostel is not the best place for him, but feels that if they've made their decision they won't back down. His PO had also said he will not be allowed access to the Internet, much like being placed in a hostel this restrictions will significantly impact his ability to rebuild his life and something we will have to make a case for.
@smile I have read reviews on this hostel and they do seem good and provide help, so they do definitely have their place and serve a purpose, especially for those that may not have support and means ones released. Unfortunately we've worked hard to make sure he has a home, a life, support, meaningful activity upon release and he's already studying a degrees - These are all the things that hostels are meant to help with.
Please excuse my ignorance but do people released from prison go into a different type of 'hostel' to those who are 'homeless'?
I think it has to do with risk level, my ex had to go to into one. I think it actually helped him readjust instead of being plonked straight back into normal life. The AP staff were great and really supportive. He is likely to have a strict curfew and being in a hostel helps probation etc. with monitoring post release.
They should then reassess his risk level (risk of serious harm on Oasys - not just the 'automatic' scores around reoffending etc.) It's positive you have a place to stay - I think this automatically improves his risk level. Hopefully he won't be placed too far away and he won't have to stay too long. Be prepared that he won't know where he is being placed until the very last minute - I think my ex found out on the day of release!! (Not wanting to make you worry, sorry, just managing expectations) x
They should then reassess his risk level (risk of serious harm on Oasys - not just the 'automatic' scores around reoffending etc.) It's positive you have a place to stay - I think this automatically improves his risk level. Hopefully he won't be placed too far away and he won't have to stay too long. Be prepared that he won't know where he is being placed until the very last minute - I think my ex found out on the day of release!! (Not wanting to make you worry, sorry, just managing expectations) x
@smile - Yes they are special hostels for either those on bail or released from prison. Have a Google of approved premises, I can see they would offer many the stability and support they need. I think it's would be very useful for your son from what you've explained about your situations.
@heidi that's for replying. His OASys is low, less than 1% chance or reoffending. He scored low on everything apart from family because he's estranged from his sister and both his parents are dead. Me and his pets are his family. If we can't home the dogs whisky he is in the hostel, I think it would really break him. He's tried so hard to stay positive but he's been very low the last few days. There is so little he can practically do in prison.
@heidi that's for replying. His OASys is low, less than 1% chance or reoffending. He scored low on everything apart from family because he's estranged from his sister and both his parents are dead. Me and his pets are his family. If we can't home the dogs whisky he is in the hostel, I think it would really break him. He's tried so hard to stay positive but he's been very low the last few days. There is so little he can practically do in prison.
That's made me feel a whole lot better - just shows how you can worry about something without knowing the full facts - thankyou Sal x
Smile. I live not far from one of these hostels and they are definitely not like homeless hostels xx
I need to do some research ...... thanks ladies x