Prison, Probation & Rehabilitation

Understanding Prisons, Probation, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Public Protection The criminal justice system aims to balance: Public protection. Accountability. Justice. Rehabilitation. Human rights. Reducing reoffending. People in prison and under probation supervision retain important legal rights and should be treated lawfully, fairly and with dignity. Effective rehabilitation and resettlement can help reduce future offending, improve public safety and support successful reintegration into society. This guide explains prison services, family support, prison visits, probation, rehabilitation, resettlement and reducing reoffending. This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

Understanding Prisons

What is Prison?

Prisons are secure institutions where individuals may be held:

• On remand awaiting trial.
• Following conviction.
• Following sentencing.
• Under specific legal powers.

Prisons aim to:

• Protect the public.
• Enforce court sentences.
• Support rehabilitation.
• Reduce reoffending.

HM Prison and Probation Service

HM Prison and Probation Service

Types of Prison

Different Categories

Prisons may include:

• Local prisons.
• Training prisons.
• Open prisons.
• Women's prisons.
• Young offender institutions.
• Secure training centres.
• High-security prisons.

Different establishments have different roles and security arrangements.

Prisoners' Rights

Legal Protections

People in prison retain rights including:

• Access to healthcare.
• Legal representation.
• Protection from abuse.
• Religious freedom.
• Contact with family.
• Access to complaints procedures.

Rights may be subject to lawful restrictions necessary for security and public protection.

Prisoners' Advice Service

Prisoners' Advice Service

Healthcare in Prison

Access to Medical Care

Prisoners should have access to:

• GP services.
• Mental health services.
• Dental care.
• Substance misuse treatment.
• Emergency healthcare.

NHS Health and Justice

NHS Health and Justice Services

Mental Health in Prison

Support and Safeguarding

Many prisoners experience:

• Mental health difficulties.
• Trauma.
• Addiction issues.
• Emotional distress.

Mental health services should be available to support wellbeing and reduce risks.

NHS Mental Health

NHS Mental Health Services

Family Support During Imprisonment

Maintaining Family Relationships

Positive family relationships can support:

• Rehabilitation.
• Emotional wellbeing.
• Child welfare.
• Successful resettlement.

Families may experience:

• Financial pressures.
• Emotional distress.
• Childcare challenges.
• Social isolation.

Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT)

Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT)

Support for Children of Prisoners

Protecting Children's Wellbeing

Children affected by imprisonment may need:

• Emotional support.
• School support.
• Family assistance.
• Safeguarding support.

Children Heard and Seen

Children Heard and Seen

Prison Visits

Staying Connected

Visits may help maintain family and community relationships.

Visitors should follow prison rules and security procedures.

Prison Visits Information

Book and Manage Prison Visits

Video Calls and Communication

Alternative Contact

Many prisons offer:

• Video calls.
• Telephone contact.
• Letters.
• Secure messaging services.

Availability varies between establishments.

Government Prison Contact Information

Find a Prison and Contact Details

Probation Services

Community Supervision

Probation services supervise individuals in the community and support rehabilitation.

Probation may involve:

• Risk management.
• Public protection.
• Support services.
• Monitoring court orders.

Probation Service

Probation Service Information

Community Orders

Court-Imposed Requirements

Community orders may include:

• Rehabilitation activities.
• Unpaid work.
• Curfews.
• Treatment requirements.
• Supervision.

Requirements should be completed as directed by the court.

Licence Conditions

Release from Prison

Some people released from prison remain subject to licence conditions.

Conditions may include:

• Reporting to probation.
• Residence requirements.
• Exclusion zones.
• Curfews.
• Treatment programmes.

Failure to comply may result in enforcement action.

Rehabilitation

Supporting Positive Change

Rehabilitation aims to help individuals:

• Address offending behaviour.
• Improve life opportunities.
• Build stability.
• Reduce future offending.

Support may involve:

• Education.
• Employment.
• Housing.
• Healthcare.
• Family support.

Education in Prison

Building Skills

Prisons may offer:

• Literacy support.
• Numeracy support.
• Vocational training.
• Qualifications.
• Employment preparation.

Education can play an important role in rehabilitation.

Employment Support

Preparing for Work

Employment can help reduce reoffending.

Support may include:

• Job preparation.
• CV development.
• Skills training.
• Employer partnerships.

National Careers Service

National Careers Service

Housing & Accommodation Support

Preventing Homelessness

Housing difficulties can increase risks of reoffending.

Resettlement support may assist with:

• Housing applications.
• Temporary accommodation.
• Homelessness prevention.

Shelter

Shelter Housing Advice

Substance Misuse Recovery

Addiction Support

Many rehabilitation programmes address:

• Drug misuse.
• Alcohol misuse.
• Recovery support.
• Relapse prevention.

NHS Addiction Support

NHS Addiction Support

Resettlement Support

Returning to the Community

Resettlement may involve support with:

• Housing.
• Employment.
• Benefits.
• Family relationships.
• Healthcare.
• Education.

The aim is to support successful reintegration and reduce reoffending.

Reducing Reoffending

Public Safety and Rehabilitation

Reducing reoffending benefits:

• Individuals.
• Families.
• Victims.
• Communities.
• Public services.

Effective approaches may include:

• Early intervention.
• Education.
• Employment.
• Stable housing.
• Mental health support.
• Family support.

Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Justice

Victims and Public Protection

Balancing Rights

Rehabilitation should operate alongside:

• Victim rights.
• Public protection.
• Risk management.
• Safeguarding responsibilities.

The criminal justice system seeks to balance these interests fairly and lawfully.

Victim Support

Victim Support

Additional Prison, Probation & Rehabilitation 

These sections expand the Prison, Probation & Rehabilitation Hub and provide further information about prison life, family support, rehabilitation, resettlement, probation, equality, human rights and independent oversight.

Prison Life & Rights

People in prison retain important rights and should be treated safely, lawfully and with dignity.

Rights may include:

• Access to healthcare.
• Protection from abuse.
• Legal advice.
• Family contact.
• Religious practice.
• Complaints procedures.
• Equality protections.

Restrictions may apply where lawful, necessary and proportionate for security, safety and sentence management.

Prisoners' Advice Service

https://www.prisonersadvice.org.uk

Prison Rules

Prison Rules set out how prisons should operate and how prisoners should be managed.

They cover areas such as:

• Discipline.
• Visits.
• Communications.
• Healthcare.
• Complaints.
• Security.
• Prisoner welfare.

Prison Rules 1999

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1999/728/contents

Incentives and Earned Privileges

Incentives schemes may encourage positive behaviour, engagement with rehabilitation and compliance with prison rules.

They may affect access to:

• Extra visits.
• Higher wages.
• Additional activities.
• Enhanced privileges.

Schemes should be applied fairly and without discrimination.

HM Prison and Probation Service

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-prison-and-probation-service

Prison Complaints Procedures

Prisoners should have access to procedures to raise concerns about:

• Safety.
• Treatment.
• Healthcare.
• Property.
• Discrimination.
• Staff conduct.
• Conditions.

Complaints should be handled fairly and appropriately.

Prison and Probation Ombudsman

https://www.ppo.gov.uk

Independent Monitoring Boards

Independent Monitoring Boards, known as IMBs, monitor prisons and immigration detention settings.

They help ensure people in custody are treated fairly and humanely.

Independent Monitoring Boards

https://imb.org.uk

Prison Ombudsman

The Prison and Probation Ombudsman investigates complaints from prisoners and investigates deaths in custody.

Prison and Probation Ombudsman

https://www.ppo.gov.uk

Segregation Units

Segregation may be used in limited circumstances for safety, security or good order.

Segregation should be:

• Lawful.
• Necessary.
• Proportionate.
• Reviewed regularly.
• Subject to safeguards.

People in segregation should still have access to healthcare and basic rights.

Use of Force in Prisons

Force may only be used where lawful, necessary, reasonable and proportionate.

Examples may include:

• Preventing harm.
• Preventing escape.
• Maintaining safety.
• Responding to serious disorder.

Use of force should be recorded and subject to oversight.

Prisoner Safety & Violence Reduction

Prisons should take steps to reduce:

• Assaults.
• Bullying.
• Intimidation.
• Gang-related violence.
• Self-harm.
• Exploitation.

Safety planning should include vulnerable prisoners and those at risk of harm.

Self-Harm Prevention in Custody

People in custody may be at increased risk of self-harm or suicide.

Support should include:

• Mental health care.
• Risk assessment.
• Listening support.
• Safer custody procedures.
• Family communication where appropriate.

Samaritans

https://www.samaritans.org

Telephone: 116 123

Deaths in Custody

Deaths in custody may be subject to independent investigation and a coroner's inquest.

Families may need support with:

• Investigations.
• Inquests.
• Legal advice.
• Bereavement support.

INQUEST

https://www.inquest.org.uk

Coroner Information

https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/when-a-death-is-reported-to-a-coroner

Family & Relationships

Family relationships can support wellbeing, rehabilitation and resettlement.

Families may also need support with:

• Emotional impact.
• Financial pressure.
• Child wellbeing.
• Prison visits.
• Communication.

PACT

https://www.prisonadvice.org.uk

Parenting from Prison

Parents in prison may need support to maintain relationships with children where safe and appropriate.

Support may include:

• Letters.
• Phone calls.
• Visits.
• Parenting programmes.
• Family days.

The child's welfare should remain central.

Children of Prisoners

Children affected by imprisonment may experience:

• Confusion.
• Shame.
• Anxiety.
• Financial changes.
• School difficulties.
• Emotional distress.

Support should be age-appropriate and non-judgemental.

Children Heard and Seen

https://childrenheardandseen.co.uk

Family Liaison Support

Family liaison support may help families understand:

• Prison processes.
• Visits.
• Communication.
• Support options.
• Resettlement planning.

Support may be provided by prison family services, charities or prison staff.

Maintaining Relationships

Healthy relationships may support:

• Emotional wellbeing.
• Rehabilitation.
• Reduced reoffending.
• Family stability.

Contact should be safe, appropriate and in line with safeguarding needs.

Visits for Children

Children may visit family members in prison where appropriate.

Prisons should consider:

• Child-friendly visiting arrangements.
• Safeguarding.
• Emotional support.
• Accessibility.

Prison Visits

https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

Family Days in Prison

Family days may provide longer, more child-friendly opportunities for contact in some prisons.

Availability depends on the prison and individual circumstances.

Rehabilitation & Education

Rehabilitation aims to support people to make positive changes and reduce reoffending.

Support may include:

• Education.
• Skills training.
• Employment support.
• Mental health care.
• Substance misuse treatment.
• Restorative justice.

Prison Education Programmes

Prison education may include:

• Reading and writing.
• Maths.
• English.
• Vocational courses.
• Higher education.
• Life skills.

Prison Education Trust

https://www.prisonerseducation.org.uk

Apprenticeships in Custody

Apprenticeships and work-based training may help people build skills and prepare for employment after release.

Training should support realistic opportunities for resettlement.

Vocational Training

Vocational training may include:

• Construction skills.
• Catering.
• Cleaning services.
• Warehousing.
• Manufacturing.
• Digital skills.

Training can improve employment prospects and confidence.

Digital Skills Training

Digital exclusion can make resettlement harder.

Digital skills training may help people access:

• Jobs.
• Benefits.
• Housing services.
• Education.
• Communication.

Financial Management Education

Financial education may support people with:

• Budgeting.
• Debt advice.
• Banking.
• Benefits.
• Avoiding fraud.
• Planning for release.

MoneyHelper

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Restorative Justice

Restorative justice may allow victims and offenders to communicate safely where voluntary and appropriate.

It can support:

• Accountability.
• Understanding harm.
• Victim recovery.
• Rehabilitation.

Restorative Justice Council

https://restorativejustice.org.uk

Resettlement & Reintegration

Resettlement means preparing for life after prison.

Effective resettlement may include:

• Housing.
• Healthcare.
• Benefits.
• Employment.
• Family support.
• Probation planning.

Through-the-Gate Services

Through-the-gate support helps people transition from custody into the community.

Support may include:

• Housing advice.
• Benefits guidance.
• Employment support.
• Healthcare referrals.
• Substance misuse support.

Release Planning

Release planning should start before release and may include:

• Accommodation.
• Identification documents.
• GP registration.
• Probation appointments.
• Medication.
• Family contact.
• Financial support.

Access to Benefits

Some people leaving prison may need help applying for benefits or financial support.

Benefits Information

https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Opening Bank Accounts

Access to banking can support:

• Employment.
• Benefits.
• Rent payments.
• Financial independence.

Some people leaving prison may need help obtaining identification documents.

Identification Documents

Identification may be needed for:

• Housing.
• Employment.
• Benefits.
• Bank accounts.
• Healthcare registration.

Support services may assist with applications.

Employment After Conviction

People with convictions may face barriers to employment, but work can support rehabilitation and reduce reoffending.

Support may include:

• Disclosure advice.
• Skills training.
• Employer engagement.
• CV support.

Unlock

https://unlock.org.uk

NACRO

https://www.nacro.org.uk

Housing After Prison

Stable housing is important for reducing reoffending and supporting wellbeing.

Support may include:

• Homelessness applications.
• Supported accommodation.
• Probation referrals.
• Housing charity support.

Shelter

https://www.shelter.org.uk

Probation & Public Protection

Probation services supervise people in the community and help manage risk while supporting rehabilitation.

Probation may involve:

• Regular appointments.
• Risk assessments.
• Licence conditions.
• Programme requirements.
• Public protection planning.

Probation Service

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/probation-services

Probation Supervision

Probation supervision may apply after:

• Community sentences.
• Suspended sentence orders.
• Release from prison.
• Licence periods.

The purpose is to support rehabilitation and protect the public.

Risk Assessments

Risk assessments help identify:

• Risk of harm.
• Reoffending risks.
• Safeguarding concerns.
• Support needs.
• Protective factors.

Risk assessment should be evidence-based and regularly reviewed.

Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements

MAPPA helps agencies manage risks posed by certain offenders.

Agencies may include:

• Police.
• Probation.
• Prison services.
• Social care.
• Health services.

MAPPA Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-public-protection-arrangements-mappa-guidance

Serious Further Offence Reviews

A Serious Further Offence review may take place where someone under probation supervision is charged with a serious offence.

The purpose is to identify learning and improve future practice.

Electronic Monitoring & Tags

Electronic monitoring may be used for:

• Curfews.
• Location monitoring.
• Licence conditions.
• Bail conditions.

It should be lawful, proportionate and linked to court or licence requirements.

Recall to Prison

A person released on licence may be recalled to prison if they breach licence conditions or risk becomes unmanageable.

Recall decisions should follow legal procedures and evidence-based risk assessment.

Young Offenders

Children and young people in the justice system require additional safeguards.

The youth justice system should focus on:

• Welfare.
• Safeguarding.
• Rehabilitation.
• Education.
• Reducing reoffending.

Youth Offending Teams

Youth Offending Teams work with children and young people involved in offending.

They may provide:

• Supervision.
• Family support.
• Education links.
• Restorative approaches.
• Risk management.

Youth Justice Board

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/youth-justice-board-for-england-and-wales

Secure Children's Homes

Secure children's homes provide secure care for children with complex welfare or justice needs.

They should provide:

• Safeguarding.
• Education.
• Healthcare.
• Therapeutic support.

Young Offender Institutions

Young Offender Institutions hold young people and young adults in custody.

Safeguarding, education and rehabilitation should be central to their management.

Child Safeguarding in Custody

Children in custody remain children first.

They should have access to:

• Education.
• Healthcare.
• Family contact.
• Safeguarding support.
• Advocacy.
• Complaint routes.

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk

Telephone: 0800 1111

Women in the Criminal Justice System

Women in the justice system may have specific needs relating to:

• Trauma.
• Domestic abuse.
• Mental health.
• Pregnancy.
• Parenting.
• Housing.

Support should be gender-informed and trauma-informed.

Women's Prisons

Women's prisons should provide safe, respectful and appropriate support.

Needs may include:

• Healthcare.
• Mental health support.
• Family contact.
• Trauma support.
• Rehabilitation.

Pregnancy in Prison

Pregnant women in custody should receive appropriate healthcare, maternity care and safeguarding support.

Decisions should consider:

• Health.
• Safety.
• Dignity.
• Welfare of the baby.
• Human rights.

NHS Pregnancy Information

https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy

Mother and Baby Units

Mother and Baby Units may allow eligible mothers to care for babies in custody where appropriate.

Decisions should focus on:

• The child's best interests.
• Safeguarding.
• Health.
• Welfare.

Women's Community Services

Women's community services may support alternatives to custody, rehabilitation and resettlement.

Support may include:

• Domestic abuse support.
• Housing support.
• Mental health support.
• Parenting support.
• Employment support.

Women in Prison

https://womeninprison.org.uk

Equality & Vulnerability

Prisons and probation services should identify and support people with vulnerabilities.

This may include:

• Disability.
• Mental health needs.
• Neurodiversity.
• Age-related needs.
• Language barriers.
• Trauma.

Disability in Prison

Disabled prisoners should have access to reasonable adjustments and equal treatment.

Support may include:

• Accessible facilities.
• Healthcare.
• Communication support.
• Adjusted regimes.

Disability Rights UK

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Learning Disabilities in Custody

People with learning disabilities may need support with:

• Communication.
• Understanding rules.
• Legal processes.
• Daily routines.
• Complaints.

Reasonable adjustments should be considered.

Mencap

https://www.mencap.org.uk

Autism in the Criminal Justice System

Autistic people may have specific needs relating to:

• Sensory environments.
• Communication.
• Routine.
• Anxiety.
• Understanding procedures.

Support should be person-centred and reasonable adjustments should be considered.

National Autistic Society

https://www.autism.org.uk

Older Prisoners

Older prisoners may have needs relating to:

• Mobility.
• Dementia.
• Long-term health conditions.
• Social care.
• End-of-life care.

Prisons should provide appropriate healthcare and dignity.

Foreign National Prisoners

Foreign national prisoners may need support with:

• Immigration issues.
• Language barriers.
• Consular contact.
• Family contact overseas.
• Legal advice.

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office

Faith & Religion in Prison

Prisoners should generally be able to practise their religion or belief within lawful prison rules.

Support may include:

• Chaplaincy.
• Faith services.
• Religious materials.
• Dietary needs.

LGBTQ+ Prisoner Rights

LGBTQ+ prisoners should be protected from:

• Discrimination.
• Harassment.
• Bullying.
• Violence.

Prison services should manage individual needs lawfully, safely and respectfully.

Galop

https://galop.org.uk

Human Rights & Accountability

People in custody retain fundamental rights.

These include:

• Protection from inhuman or degrading treatment.
• Access to healthcare.
• Fair procedures.
• Privacy where possible.
• Family life where lawful and appropriate.
• Protection from discrimination.

Human Rights in Prison

Human rights law applies in prisons.

Restrictions may be lawful where necessary, but treatment must remain humane and proportionate.

Human Rights Act 1998

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents

Equality Act Protections

The Equality Act protects people from unlawful discrimination.

Prisons and probation services should consider equality duties and reasonable adjustments.

Equality Act 2010

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

Access to Justice

People in custody should be able to access legal advice, courts and complaints systems.

This may include:

• Solicitor contact.
• Legal visits.
• Appeal advice.
• Judicial review where appropriate.

Law Society

https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk

Legal Aid

Legal aid may be available in certain criminal, prison law or human rights matters depending on eligibility.

Legal Aid

https://www.gov.uk/legal-aid

Judicial Review

Judicial review may be used to challenge decisions by public bodies where they may have acted unlawfully.

Legal advice is important because strict time limits may apply.

Judicial Review

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/judicial-review

Prison Inspections

HM Inspectorate of Prisons independently inspects prisons and reports on conditions and treatment.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons

https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons

Independent Oversight

Independent oversight helps protect rights, safety and public confidence.

Oversight may involve:

• Independent Monitoring Boards.
• Prison and Probation Ombudsman.
• HM Inspectorate of Prisons.
• Courts.
• Parliament.

Key Message

A fair prison and probation system should protect the public, support rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and uphold human rights. People in custody and under supervision should be treated safely, lawfully and with dignity, while victims, families and communities should be supported and protected.