Throughcare is used to provide services to all prisoners both during and after their sentences. This service can be statutory or voluntary.

During a prison sentence, we liaise with other agencies regarding ongoing support to assist prisoners to prepare for release and to help them resettle in the community.

The prison and community based social work teams work in partnership providing reports and assessments to the Scottish Prison Service and the Parole Board for Scotland, including recommendations regarding release.

Community based teams support prisoners to reintegrate back into the community by working with a range of partner agencies, including housing services, addiction services, health services, Police Scotland and third sector organisations.

As well as supporting a prisoner’s release from prison, we also have a responsibility to promote public safety.

Some prisoners are released without licence conditions. They can request voluntary throughcare support from the point of sentence and for up to one year after they are released.

These supports are varied and based on individual circumstances. Some of the supports that can be accessed include advice and guidance in relation to accommodation, health services, employability and assistance in relation to welfare issues, such as finances.