Aims & Purpose Background Theory How the Toolkit Works The Sentence Types of Prison NOMS Be Aware Behaviours Key Stages Arrest (Stage 1) Charge (Stage 2) Court (Stage 3) Starting the Sentence (Stage 4) First Visit (Stage 5) Serving the Sentence (Stage 6) Release (Stage 7)
Reflection
Release (stage 7)
This is a time for both massive expectation and fear.
Clear communication is essential as many promises are made by people and to people in prison; clarify practical arrangements.
Mitigate against the risk of 'gate fever' - where the prisoner engages in risk-taking behaviour because 'they deserve it' or 'they have been banged up'.
State of change: Relapse/maintenance
Interventions - All the emotions which are closed down in order to cope with the isolation of prison may now be released. Support the partner to identify how the person will cope with being released. Support the partner to identify how the person will cope with being released. Identify specific risks and triggers. Be aware new disclosure of need may appear at this stage. Many people underestimate the impact of getting out of prison. It can be helpful to underline how the family coped with stages 1-3 and build on these tools to prepare for the return. If there are risk factors to the return, the person may now be open to support as a way to increase the safety of the family.
Preparation is key to understanding if the child is excited or fearful of the parent being released. The child may not communicate this to the people most involved i.e. the parent or partner. Disclosure may be to a sibling or third party.
Stop; do the family expect the prisoner to just slot back into family life?
Stop; consider how parental roles may change on such areas as discipline
Stop; consider how the physical relationship may change upon release
Look for ways to support and highlight the new skills learnt by the family.
Look for the changes the prisoner will find he he is not expecting.
Look for stress points for the family, e.g. the prisoner may not feel comfortable closing doors, holding keys, with fast traffic or crowds. Sleeping is often problematic upon release.
Listen; how do the children talk about the release, can they express fears?
Listen to see if additional support is required; is a CAF appropriate?
Listen; check the family know of any reporting requirements, such as probation or home detention curfew, or tag conditions.
