Throughcare

Services provided on release from prison

Anyone who receives a prison sentence is entitled to support and/or supervision from East Lothian Justice Social Work Service after their release. This support starts at the point of sentencing and continues until the person’s supervision ends. The aim is to help people rehabilitate and settle back into the community when they are released from custody.

Statutory Throughcare

This service is for people who:

  • Are sentenced to four years or more in prison
  • Have been convicted of sexual offences
  • Have a Supervised Release Order, Extended Sentence, or Order for Lifelong Restriction

Support begins when the person enters custody and continues until the legal supervision period ends. They are allocated a Community‑Based Social Worker (CBSW). Supervision may be managed by the Court or the Parole Board. If a person does not comply with supervision, they could be returned to prison. This type of throughcare is similar to completing part of a prison sentence in the community instead of custody.

Voluntary Throughcare

This service is for people serving short‑term prison sentences of less than four years. Support starts when the person is sentenced and continues throughout their prison sentence and for up to one year after release. Participation is voluntary.

Community‑Based Social Work

The Community‑Based Social Worker (CBSW) keeps in contact with the person in custody and their family. Their role is to help arrange support and services in the community before release. After release, the person must meet regularly with their social worker and may take part in group or one‑to‑one sessions to help with resettlement and reduce further offending.

Prison‑Based Social Work

People who are subject to statutory supervision will have both a Prison‑Based Social Worker (PBSW) and a Community‑Based Social Worker. The PBSW completes risk assessments, takes part in Integrated Case Management (ICM), and prepares reports for the Parole Board. They work closely with the CBSW to assess whether the person is ready for release.

Family Support

Staying in touch with family while in custody is very important and helps people avoid reoffending after release. There are organisations available that provide support to families of people in prison.