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Hertfordshire County Council

Care leavers in custody

 

 

 

 

 

Care leavers in custody

Being in custody can be a difficult and uncertain time. As a Hertfordshire care leaver, you're still entitled to support and guidance from us whilst you're in custody and as you prepare for release.

 

Who can access this support?

This offer is available to Hertfordshire care leavers who are:

  • relevant care leavers or former relevant care leavers
  • eligible care leavers approaching adulthood
  • qualifying care leavers (where applicable).

Your personal adviser or leaving care worker can explain your entitlement and what support is available to you.

 

Your personal adviser

Your leaving care personal adviser (LCPA) will remain your key point of contact whilst you're in custody and after your release.

We will:

  • ensure you have a named leaving care personal adviser
  • maintain regular contact and visits whilst you're in custody
  • advocate for you and ensure your views are heard
  • help coordinate support with prison staff, probation services and other agencies
  • support you to prepare for release and resettlement
  • continue to provide support up to age 25, where requested.

 

 

Whilst you're in custody

We will:

  • maintain regular contact with you
  • work with prison staff and probation services
  • attend planning and review meetings where appropriate
  • support you to access services within custody
  • help you understand your rights and entitlements as a care leaver
  • support you to maintain important relationships where appropriate.

 

Housing and accommodation

Having somewhere safe and suitable to live is a key priority. This may be worrying for you when thinking about moving back in to the community.

We will:

  • start accommodation planning early
  • discuss accommodation options before release
  • support referrals to housing services where needed
  • attend pre-release planning meetings
  • ensure housing forms part of your Pathway Plan
  • provide advice regarding accommodation options available to Hertfordshire care leavers.

Housing and accommodation

 

 

Education, employment and training

We want you to continue developing skills and opportunities for the future.

We will:

  • advocate for you to access education and training opportunities whilst in custody
  • explore employment options before release
  • refer you to Services for Young People for tailored support with CV writing, job applications and interview preparation
  • support access to apprenticeships, college, university or training opportunities.

Education, training and employment

 

Financial support

We understand that being in custody can create additional financial challenges.

We may be able to support with:

  • essential items whilst in custody
  • identification documents
  • travel arrangements on release
  • setting up home allowance where eligible
  • access to benefits and financial advice, and support accessing these when you're released.

Speak to your leaving care personal adviser if you're worried about finances when you're in custody or upon release.

Managing your money

 

Health and wellbeing

Your physical and emotional wellbeing matters.

We will:

  • support you to access healthcare whilst in custody
  • support you to access mental health support where required
  • support you to access healthcare on release
  • ensure wellbeing needs are reflected within your Pathway Plan.

Health and wellbeing

 

 

Family, relationships and social support

Maintaining positive relationships can be important during custody and beyond.

We will:

  • help identify trusted adults and supportive relationships
  • support reconnection with important people if this is what you would like
  • offer you support via Life Long Links if appropriate
  • include your support network in planning where you wish.

Relationships

Lifelong Links – help to find and bring together people who care about you.

 

Preparing for release

Planning should begin well before your release date.

We'll work with you and partner agencies to develop a resettlement plan covering:

  • accommodation
  • finance and benefits
  • education, employment and training
  • healthcare
  • practical support
  • family and relationships
  • community safety
  • probation requirements, if applicable.

 

Your leaving care personal adviser will work closely with prison and probation staff to support your transition back into the community.

 

Advocacy, complaints and contacts

If you're unhappy with the support you receive, you have a right to make a complaint or access advocacy.

We'll help you:

  • access independent advocacy
  • raise concerns about services
  • understand the complaints process
  • have your voice heard in decisions affecting you.

 

Hertfordshire Leaving Care Service

 

Emergency out of hours team: 0300 123 4043.

 

National organisations

The Howard League for Penal Reform – www.howardleague.org

Prison Reform Trust – www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk

The Rees Foundation – www.reesfoundation.org

Women in Prison – www.womeninprison.org.uk

Our promise to you

As your corporate parent, Hertfordshire County Council will care about you, not just care for you.

Whilst you're in custody, and as you prepare for release, we'll work with you to ensure that you:

  • feel protected – we'll work with prison, probation, housing, health and community partners to help keep you safe and to make sure you receive the support you need
  • experience stability – we'll plan early for your release, support you to access suitable accommodation and ensure there is a clear plan for your future
  • have a sense of belonging – we'll help you maintain and strengthen positive relationships with people who are important to you and help you stay connected to your community
  • build confidence – we'll support you to develop independence, life skills and resilience so that you can move forward positively
  • achieve your aspirations – we'll encourage and support your goals in education, employment and training, helping you to achieve your ambitions
  • improve your wellbeing – we'll support your physical, emotional and mental health needs and help you access the right services
  • have your voice heard – we'll listen to you, involve you in decisions about your life and ensure that your views shape the support you receive.

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