A Step in the right direction

A Step in the right direction

The Friday Release Policy Framework has now been published

The way it is being implemented has changed from the previous proposal. There will now be an automatic presumption that people on determinate sentences who have served at least 28 days in prison and due to be released on a Friday or day before a bank holiday will be released 1 working day earlier to support their resettlement. In practice this will mean people due to be released on a Friday will be released on a Thursday. Discretion can also be applied to release an additional eligible working day earlier to support resettlement needs, or to revert release back to the Friday or day before the bank/public holiday in cases where exceptional circumstances mean that a person in prison is excluded from the scheme. In order to apply for an additional day, the COM would need to make the request and would need to be approved by the Governor or their delegate. For info, the following are excluded from consideration under this policy:

• Those who are serving indeterminate sentences.
• Those who are subject to discretionary release authorised by the Parole Board.
• Those who are being released on Home Detention Curfew.

Those who are not serving at least 28 days in custody from the date of sentence. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://expertcitizens.bwardemo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fridayrelease.png” title_text=”fridayrelease” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] In terms of timings, it officially goes live from 30 November 2023 and transitional arrangements will apply to all releases scheduled between Friday the 15th of December and Friday the 29th of December 2023. You can find the full policy framework here and I know comms are going out to probation teams who will get in contact with resettlement teams. Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Act The Offenders (Day of Release from Detention) Act received Royal Assent on 29 June www.gov.uk) Discretionary Friday/Pre-Bank Holiday Release Scheme Policy Framework – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)   Richard Walley Changing Futures  Case Coordinator, Adult Social Care, Health Integration and Wellbeing [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]