Name of client: Client J
DOB: 1989
Date of sentence: 2021
Sentence Expiry Date: 2029
No of releases and recalls: 1
Release Date: 2026
Approved premises: Kent
First Contact
Client J was convicted of stalking a person, causing fear of violence in 2021 and received a determinate sentence. New Connections first made contact with Client J in 2024 through emails, progressing to visiting him in custody shortly after.
Due to the regular contact with Client J prior to his release, we were able to identify areas that would support desistance and reduce the risk of recall. This period of engagement enabled us to develop a strong and trusting relationship, which allowed Client J to feel comfortable talking about his concerns and, additionally, his future aspirations. These included wanting stable accommodation, employment, spending time with his family, and becoming a role model for his grandchildren. In his first parole hearing he got refused and returned to custody. From there, NC carried on supporting him and prepping him for his release date in 2026.
Support Pre-release
Once a date had been confirmed for Client J’s release, his supervisor at New Connections set up a care plan for him, which included what support would be beneficial to him to have the best chance of successful reintegration. This information was collected via video calls as well as an in-person visit with his New Connections supervisor. At New Connections we aim for at least three video calls or in person visits with each client to build rapport and establish trust, enabling us to better support them as they re-enter the community. From this, we learnt what his goals were for the future as well as his main concerns when returning to the community. The care plan was then revisited upon release to track the progress he had made at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months.
While in custody, Client J showed strong enthusiasm towards changing his behaviours; this came from one of his initial programmes called the Sycamore Tree Program. Following this, he proceeded to gain certificates in drug and alcohol related cell packs and a ROAD program with Catch 22. His most recent programme is the KAIZE IPV, where he completed modules to help improve his behaviour and help him regain focus on his future outside of custody.
Some topics in his modules included; life maps, success wheel, identify your old me pattern; This was all done through supported learning sessions from peers and mentors.
Release
In 2026, Client J was then released to an Approved Premises (AP) in Kent. Once settled in, we researched AA/NA meetings nearby, which Client J benefited from. NC representatives also provided support for him with practical elements such as the setting up of a bank account or obtaining an ID, as these are essential for day-to-day life. Throughout this process, we remained in close contact with his Community Offender Manager (COM) so we could work together to provide Client J with the best support possible. This close contact provides reassurance and stability for clients. Going through reintegration into the community, we understand can be a nerve-racking time, due to this, we provide each client with a contact number so they are able to reach out to us at any time. This is especially important in the first 3 months of release due to factors like advancements in technology, new daily routines, and ensuring they follow their licence conditions, making it difficult to adapt to their new life, so we are proactive. After the 3 months, we encourage the clients to reach out to us if any help is needed, giving them the responsibility. With Client J, he remained in contact and often provided positive progress updates about his family, job opportunities, and hobbies he has started, like fishing.
Support in the community
While in the community, Client J attended AA and NA meetings and gained employment, both of which helped establish a positive routine and supported his successful reintegration into the community. Client J was also very fortunate to have support from several family members during this difficult time; this also allowed him to achieve one of his main goals to build up their relationships and become an important family member in his grandchildren’s lives, which we were made aware of through his regular updates. Client J was doing well in the community; however, moving from an approved premise to longer-term housing did create a great deal of stress for him, as this process can be very challenging.
Reason for recall
We were notified that Client J had been recalled due to an issue with his accommodation. We were contacted saying Client J’s accommodation referral had been prioritised due to a matter of urgency. However, an NC representative later received a telephone call from Client J, who stated that his community offence manager had initiated his recall proceedings. It was then explained that this was due to him not having an acceptable address available for that evening. He explained that he had found temporary accommodation with his partner’s aunt, where he would be until the arrangement of his longer-term accommodation. However, when probation contacted his partner’s aunt, she was not aware of the offence that Client J was convicted of. Client J made it clear that he was happy to disclose to her his offence, and she was willing to accommodate him following this discussion. Due to the initial non disclosure, probation did not accept this as a suitable address and recalled him to custody.
NC hopes to carry on working with Client J to ensure he can resettle into the community and carry on with the positive progress he has made so far.
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