Midlothian Justice Service
Support after you leave prison
Leaving prison can feel stressful, confusing or overwhelming. We are here to support you - this is called throughcare.
Statutory throughcare
You will meet your allocated social worker at least once a week for the first 3 months. We will then decide how often to meet for the rest of your sentence.
We find a suitable time for meetings within office hours. We will try to fit around your family and work commitments.
We normally meet you on your own in No 11. We will also visit you at your home.
As part of your licence or Order, you must:
- attend your appointment on the day of release
- work with us to reduce your risk of reoffending
- treat staff with respect
- be on time for all meetings and tell us if you can’t make one
- follow your licence or Order conditions
- tell us if your circumstances or plans change
- comply with anything the Court or Parole Board feel is important to manage risks.
You are not alone
You don’t need to manage everything alone.
We can help you access local support with:
- housing and benefits
- mental health and wellbeing
- substance use
- relationships and family contact
- employment, training or education
- coping with stress and change
- managing risky or difficult situations
- Statutory throughcare leaflet
Voluntary throughcare
Voluntary throughcare is support you can access for 12 months after you leave prison to help you with:
- Accessing support for housing related problems
- Benefits
- Finding out what support is in your community (you can also do this using www.aliss.org)
- Supporting you and your family
- Referrals for addiction, mental health, employment or other services
Who provides Voluntary Throughcare
Two organisations can support you in Midlothian:
- Upside – A national provider
- Midlothian Council - Justice Service
You do not need to decide if you want to access support as soon as you leave prison. The service is voluntary and you can ask staff in prison or get in touch after you leave.
If you decide it is not for you, you can take a break or stop at any time.