Pre-release and resettlement
Planning for a child’s release or transfer starts on their arrival at the establishment. Resettlement underpins the work of the whole establishment, supported by partnerships in the community and informed by assessment of children’s risk and need. Ongoing planning ensures a seamless transition into the community.
71. Children are helped to prepare for release or transfer through a ‘whole establishment’ approach. Resettlement begins on arrival and is designed to meet children’s needs, explore pro-social strengths and goals and reduce their likelihood of committing further offences.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- A comprehensive strategy shapes preparation for release and resettlement services. The strategy is informed by and developed in consultation with children. It is kept up to date by regular analysis of the resettlement needs of the population of the establishment.
- The analysis of resettlement needs is based on a wide range of sources, and sufficient attention is paid to all diverse needs, as well as specific groups such as looked after children, indeterminate and long-term sentenced children and those on recall and remand.
- Resettlement work is supported by all departments working in the establishment.
- Each child has a case worker who coordinates work with that child.
- All staff in the establishment are clear about their responsibilities to support the pre-release and resettlement process.
- Resettlement services are coordinated and targeted to meet the needs of the population, and draw adequately from external statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as internal resources.
- A named manager is responsible for coordinating the work of voluntary and community sector organisations.
- The services provided across all resettlement and pre-release areas meet both the assessed needs of the population and the strategic approach to resettlement at the establishment.
- Relevant services are monitored, necessary data collected and their effectiveness measured. This work is reviewed with input from service providers, children and families.
- Outcomes for children following their release from the establishment are monitored effectively and feed into the ongoing development and improvement of the establishment’s pre-release and resettlement strategy.