If you find yourself in a position where you are at court, please let us know. We have formed some strong relationships with probation officers at court and if they know you are a care leaver they will be able to provide information to the court about your individual circumstances.
Maintaining relationships
We know that maintaining relationships is really important to you. We will therefore make sure that we support your family and friends to visit you during your time in custody. This could be bringing them to a visit or providing them with a travel warrent to come and see you. Please remember that these people will need to be approved before the visit takes place.
Even though you are in custody we will still work together on a pathway plan. This will make sure that your return to the community is as seamless as possible and we will begin to plan in advance of your release. We will involve you in the process along with your offender manager in the community and other relevant agencies.
We will come and visit you in custody. How often this takes place will be different for each individual depending on their needs and wishes but they will visit every 4 weeks as a minimum. Your personal advisor will also be key in acting as an advocate for you whilst you are in custody.
If you want to take part in training courses available at the establishment let us know. We can also advocate for release on temporary licence to support your resettlement plan where the Probation Service are in support of this.
Finance package
There is also a finance package available to you whilst you are in custody to ensure that your needs are met. This includes money for clothing, an allowance for everyday items, and other financial support which is available depending on individual circumstances. Your personal advisor should have provided you with the money matters guide that outlines your entitlement. If you haven’t got one request this.
Do you work in custody and have a Blackpool care leaver? Please get in touch with our custody lead, Mark.mcelroy@blackpool.gov.uk
Remember just because you are in custody does not mean that you don’t have a say in your plans for the future. We want to support you whatever your hopes and aspirations are for the future and celebrate all that you achieve whilst you are in custody.