1 Pre-Sentence planning

At PLLP Prison Consultants (PLLP) we aim to help individuals prepare for their sentencing hearing in a way that demonstrates accountability, insight, and rehabilitation potential. This can influence the court's decision and potentially result in a more favourable sentence. 

2 Journey through the Prison System

1 Pre-Sentence Planning

1.1 Personal Background and Mitigation Evidence, including preparation of life history, circumstances, preparation of character references and obtaining medical and psychological reports (if required).

1.2 Demonstrating Remorse and Insight, this will include preparation of a personal statement to evidence responsibility and insight into the harm caused. We can also provide training course around victim awareness with our partners.

1.3 Rehabilitation Efforts, we can support various areas of help such as substance misuse programs, mental health support, anger management / offending behaviour programs and education and training programs through our partners for you to demonstrate you are prepared to change and take responsibility of your issues.

1.4 Alternatives to Custody Proposals

Pre-sentencing we can advise on structured sentencing plans, suggesting viable alternatives to prison, such as community service, curfew / electronic monitoring, drug rehabilitation requirements and working with probation with intensive supervision. If appropriate, involvement in restorative justice programs can show proactive accountability. 

1.5 Legal Coordination

Liaison with solicitors / barristers: PLLP can ensure that the plan supports and complements the legal strategy and help you to present a coherent narrative to your advisors ensuring all reports, statements, and documents align and present a clear, consistent case. 

1.6 Preparation for possible Outcomes. In terms of custodial sentence preparation, we can help you prepare mentally and practically for custody (e.g., arranging childcare, bills, housing) from individuals who have lived experience. 

Finally here at PLLP we can offer continued support after sentencing to engage with probation or appeal processes.

2 The Journey through the Prison System

2.1 Pre-Custody Preparation

  • Understanding the sentence: PLLP will explain the type and length of sentence (e.g., determinate, indeterminate, IPP, extended sentence).
  • Category of Prison: PLLP can provide an overview of categories A to D (security levels), and likely placement.
  • Packing essentials: We can advise on what to bring (e.g., cash, key documents, phone numbers) and what not to bring.
  • Telling Family / Children: We can provide advice and guidance on how to explain imprisonment to children and love ones.
  • Financial Planning: PLLP can provide advice on how to handle rent, bills, debts, and benefits (e.g., Universal Credit).
  • Mental Preparation: Managing anxiety, fears, and the psychological impact of prison entry.

2.2 Induction and Early Days in Custody

  • Reception process: We will discuss what happens on arrival, including searches, medical screening, and first night procedures.
  • Prison Induction: Provide you with information on how the system works, rules, routines, and how to access services.
  • ACCT Process (for at risk prisoners): We can let you know about what happens if someone is deemed vulnerable or suicidal. 
  • Phone and contact setup: We will explain PIN phones, sending letters, and how to maintain contact with the outside world.
  • Personal officer and keyworker: Role of assigned staff in providing day-to-day support.

2.3 Daily Life in Prison

  • Routine and regime: Mealtimes, association, exercise, lock-up hours.
  • Cell sharing: How cellmates are allocated and what to expect. 
  • Canteen System: How to order items like food, toiletries and phone credit.
  • Behavioural expectations: Incentives and earned privileges (IEP) system (Basic / standard / enhanced).
  • Rules and discipline: what can result in loss of privileges or adjudications.  

2.4 Accessing Support and Services

  • Healthcare: How to access physical and mental health care. 
  • Education and work: Opportunities for learning, training and in-prison jobs. 
  • Drugs and Alcohol services: Accessing recovery programs and support. 
  • Chaplains and faith services: Emotional and spiritual support.
  • Legal support: How to speak to a solicitor apply for appeals, or access advocacy. 

2.5 Sentence Planning and Progression

  • Offender Management: We will explain the role of Offender Manager (in custody and community). 
  • Sentence Plan: What key targets to work towards for release and progression. 
  • Courses and programmes: e.g., Thinking skills Programme (TSP), Building better Relationships (BBR). 
  • Category reviews: How and when prisoners are reviewed for category downgrading. 
  • Open prison eligibility: How to apply for transfer to a Category D prison.

2.6 Release Planning 

  • Home detection Curfew (HDC): Eligibility for early release with tag.
  • Licence conditions: What restrictions will apply after release.
  • Accommodation support: Housing options and working with probation / housing teams.
  • Employment and benefits: How to apply for jobs, benefits (e.g., Universal credit), or training.
  • Through-the-gate support: Organisations that help with resettlement (e.g., St Giles Trust, NACRO).
  • Probation supervision: Understanding post-release obligations and support.

2.7 Family and Relationship support

  • Visits and video calls: Booking, security procedures, and keeping relationships intact.
  • Support for families: Signposting to groups like Pact or POPS.
  • Parenting from prison: Support courses and contact with children where appropriate.

2.8 Rights, complaints and Advocacy 

  • Prison rights: right to healthcare, legal access, and religious freedom. 
  • Complaints procedures: How to raise grievances or appeal decisions.
  • Independent monitoring: Role of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) and Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO).
  • Discriminative or mistreatment: How to report and seek support.

2.9 Mental Health and Emotional Resilience 

  • Coping strategies: Dealing with isolation, prison culture, and stress.
  • Accessing Support: Mental health team, Samaritans (via in-cell phones), peer mentors.
  • Self-development: Encouraging reading, journaling, fitness, faith, or creative activities.

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