2. 6 scenarios

Scenario 5: Preparing for release

Read the situation below. Choose the best response and then click on Check to see our feedback.

You are a probation officer. Steve is due for release next month after serving a four-year sentence for robbery. He intends to go back to the family home and his partner and children Callum, four, Sophie, nine, and Richard, 12. They are extremely anxious about his return as he has been violent towards them and has a drink problem. Family life has been much smoother without him. Do you:

  • Liaise with social services well in advance of release to express your concerns about the risk that may be faced by the children (and their mother), and suggest that a case conference may be an appropriate course of action, including the schools and local Children's Centre?
  • As part of your preparations for Steve's release you will have visited the home and checked he can return there on licence. At this point it would be appropriate to discuss concerns with the family and consider the options for support. This may involve the initiation of an assessment for the children. It's crucial to explain that this does not mean children will be removed from the family home, but it is an opportunity for the family to receive support. It may be that it is not appropriate for Steve to return home. There are materials available for planning for release (Thames Valley Partnership, Ormiston, Action for Prisoners' Families, NIACRO, Barnardo's).
  • As above and apply for a MAPPA as you are concerned at the risk Steve poses to the public, and invite the local children's services to come along?
  • Top answer - From a criminal justice perspective this is an important step as it ensures there is a framework for more effective cooperation and sharing of information. You may want to consider if there is anyone else you should invite, for example the schools attended by the children. There are examples of good liaison with schools (Ormiston, Thames Valley Partnership) and you may be able to adapt these models to your practice.
  • Monitor the situation with the family upon Steve's release following your organisation's risk assessment procedure?
  • Working in isolation with such complexities is not always the most appropriate course of action. You may want to consider the family and the impact Steve's release can have on them. Whilst your role is to supervise Steve in the community, you might be able to signpost the family to support in their own right.