New Offender Release Helpline: Information and Support

A new national helpline has been launched to provide information and support to people who are concerned about changes to prison release arrangements.

Changes introduced through the Sentencing Act 2026 affect when some people serving Standard Determinate Sentences may be released from prison and move into supervision in the community.

We recognise that information about the release of an offender can cause significant worry, uncertainty or distress for survivors and their families.

The Ministry of Justice has commissioned Victim Support to provide a dedicated Offender Release Helpline, giving people affected by the changes a clear route to information, reassurance and support.

Does this affect all offenders?

No. The new Progression Model does not apply to everyone serving a prison sentence.

A number of serious offences are excluded from the new arrangements. These include rape and certain other serious sexual offences, child sexual offences and grooming offences, as well as a range of other specified serious offences.

However, we recognise that changes to prison release arrangements – and media coverage surrounding them – may still cause uncertainty or concern for survivors and their families.

If you are unsure whether the changes could affect you, the Offender Release Helpline can provide general information and help you understand where to go for further support or, where you are entitled to it, case-specific information.

How can the helpline help?

Specialist Victim Support advisers can listen to concerns and provide general information about the new Progression Model and offender release processes.

Depending on someone’s circumstances, they can also provide emotional support and practical guidance, assess support needs, help with safety planning and signpost or refer people to other appropriate services.

The helpline can support victims, family members, carers, supporters and witnesses, as well as people experiencing anxiety or uncertainty associated with offender release. Professionals supporting someone affected by the changes can also contact the service for information, advice and guidance.

What information can the helpline provide about an offender?

The helpline does not have access to offender case-management systems.

This means advisers cannot confirm whether a particular offender is being released, their release date, their licence conditions or other information relating to an individual offender.

Where someone needs – and is entitled to receive – case-specific information, advisers can help them understand the appropriate route to access it.

Additional support for people with ongoing needs

Some people may need more than information or support during a single call.

Where an assessment identifies more complex or ongoing needs, Victim Support may be able to provide a dedicated caseworker. This could include ongoing emotional or practical support, safety planning, safeguarding support, help navigating different services or assistance with referrals.

Eligibility for this additional support is based on the individual’s assessed needs.

Support for children and young people

Children and young people affected by offender release can access age-appropriate support through specialist practitioners.

Victim Support is also offering the Future Me Programme for children and young people aged 8-17 who are affected by changes to prison release arrangements.

The five-session online peer-support programme explores wellbeing, safety, support networks, rights and ways of coping with uncertainty and change. Suitability for the programme will be considered with a specialist practitioner.