Support if you are in or leaving custody
Support if you are in custody
If you are awaiting trial or are serving a sentence, we can offer you support until you’re 21, and up to 25 if you request it.
You do not have to tell anyone at the prison that you are a care leaver but if you do inform a member of prison staff, it will make it easier for you to access support.
We want to provide support while you are in custody and make sure that you have plans for once you are released.
- You and your PA will draw up a plan for your release after prison including your accommodation and your plans for employment, education or training.
- Southwark will contribute £15 per week to your prison account to help buy toiletries.
- Someone from the Leaving Care Service can meet you when you are released from prison or you can organise someone else to meet you.
Support if you are leaving custody
If you are scheduled for release from custody, please make sure your personal advisor is aware and knows the date you are due for release.
You do not have to tell anyone at the prison that you are a care leaver but if you do inform a member of prison staff, it will make it easier for you to access support.
We want to provide support for your transition out of custody.
- You and your PA will draw up a plan for your release after prison including your accommodation and your plans for employment, education or training.
- This plan will be reviewed by a manager within the leaving care service who will chair a multi-agency pre-release meeting with all those working with you to ensure that we are doing all we can to support your release plan.
- Some people will continue to be supported by agencies such as probation after release and with your agreement we will work closely with them to coordinate our support for you.