Transfers & Parole
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What you will find on this page
What happens if my loved one has to transfer prisons?
What happens if my loved one is moved to a Cat D prison?
What happens at a parole hearing?
How parole might affect you
Getting a ‘knock back’ from the parole board
What happens if my loved one has to transfer prisons?
Moving prisons is both normal practice and swift. There are lots of reasons for someone to be moved, they could have been re categorised, they may need to do a course that isn’t available at that prison, poor behaviour, security risks or overcrowding. This is really stressful, in particular if:
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you don’t know it’s happening
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they are moved to a prison you have no details on
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the prison is miles away, or
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you feel it’s not a good move for them.
They do get a reception call so hopefully you should hear quickly. Their credit, prison number and PIN goes with them, so you are able to keep in touch. Their approved visitor list also goes with them, but from personal experience we fully recommend that you get your person to confirm to their personal officer (PO) that you are approved.
If your loved one wants to move prisons because they are too far away to maintain family ties, this is possible but isn’t quick. Click on the link below if you are experiencing this and need some advice
What happens if my loved one is moved to a Cat D prison?
Getting to Cat D or waiting for Cat D eligibility is something that may be relevant to you. You can click on the link below to find out about eligibility criteria for Cat D
Getting to Category 'D' – insidetime & insideinformation
Cat D is an open prison and is far more relaxed. When your person is in a Cat D prison they can get the following benefits, which are referred to under the term of ROTLs, meaning release on temporary licence:
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town visits - a few hours out of the prison once a month, usually unsupervised but have to stay within 50 miles of the prison
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home leaves - once a month, and can be for up to 5 nights
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work outs - a job outside of the prison allowing work on a regular basis
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visits – visits are much more relaxed than those in closed conditions.
Other terms that you should become familiar with are:
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lie down - this refers to the period that they have to wait until they can start to go out. Lie down officially no longer exists but expect to wait about three months from arrival, during which risk assessments are carried out along with escorted visits, where your person will go somewhere in the local area with a member of staff from the prison
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ROTL to an AP - this is when they are granted a ROTL but have to sleep at an Approved Premises (Probation Hostel)
Cat D is usually viewed as a good move; however it can have its challenges. Alcohol, drugs and mobile phones can be rife in Cat Ds due to its more relaxed and trust-based environment.
If your loved one is caught not following the rules they can have their Cat D revoked and be returned to closed prison, or they may have their privileges suspended (an example would be ROTLS not being allowed for a period of time). If you have concerns about your person please contact us for further guidance using the contact us link (INSERT LINK to SL support group)
Parole
What happens at a parole hearing?
Some prisoners will have to sit on what's commonly known as a parole board. The parole board is an independent panel of people who decide if a prisoner can be released. Reports are made from people who are involved with your person and passed to the board to consider.
At a paper board they (the parole board) will assess it without your person being there, whereas at an oral hearing they and other professionals discuss suitability for release with your person present.
Board is super stressful, there is a lot of waiting involved and information shared and requested. It is quite normal to have them delayed or deferred, for many reasons. Click here for information about the parole process
How it might affect you
A lot rides on the outcome of the parole hearing and it is totally normal to go through a rollercoaster of emotions. You may experience anxiety, fear, excitement, apprehension, and tempers can get short.
Be prepared to talk about nothing but board as it gets closer - it’s hard to ignore something so important. If you are finding it hard to process these emotions then please contact us through the link provided for further support
Getting a ‘knock back’ from the parole board
A refusal for release - or a ‘knock back’ - will be bad news for both of you and for the people close to you. There are legal routes that you can take to challenge this Guidance: (Challenge a parole decision) but this will not deflect the pain it can bring, especially if you have a long time to wait for the next opportunity for release.
Despair and disbelief can make people react in different ways; these are some of the experiences people have shared with us about how knock backs have affected their loved one:
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Catastrophizing- Things are never gonna change, I'm never gonna get out, I can't cope
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Mood swings- Accepting everything will be fine then all of a sudden and for no apparent reason everything isnt. (If you notice a loved one is having long periods of Mood swings or mood fluctuations contact us or seek help through the Safer custody team)
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Depression-Reduced contact, refused visits, become negative about relationships and communicating
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Blame- It's all their fault, If I just would of said this or that
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Anger- Snap at the littlest of things, Become argumentative over everything
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Emotional- Upset or crying often (If this is continues for a long period of time, contact us or seek help through the safer custody team)
If you and /or your person are struggling to cope with a parole board decision, then please click here for further support (link to our online support groups).
Remember we are always here to help, do contact us if you have any queries or need support
