Throughcare

Justice Social Work has a duty to provide service to people subject to statutory supervision on release from custody. The prison sentences covered within Throughcare practice are:

• Life Sentence
   
• Order of Lifelong Restriction
   
• Long Term Determinate Sentences
   
• Extended Sentence
   
• Short Term Sex Offender Licence
   
• Supervised Release Order

Prison Based Social Workers (PBSW) and Community Based Social Workers (CBSW) work together during a person's sentence with a focus on public protection, while supporting people to reintegrate their communities.

PBSW assist with undertaking assessments for progression through the prison sentence, in preparation for release. CBSW have the role of supporting the person to reintegrate back into their community whilst managing risk, needs and public protection.

New guidance has been published in March 2026 in relation to Throughcare and can be found on the Scottish Government website using the following link: Justice Social Work Services: gov.scot

Voluntary Throughcare

Voluntary Throughcare is available to anyone leaving custody following a short-term sentence (sentence under 36 months where there is no other statutory order in place). Voluntary Throughcare offers support around a variety of issues such as housing, benefits advice, health and addiction issues. Voluntary Throughcare will be offered to those eligible via the prison and contact will be made prior to the point of release, by letter, in order to offer support when returning to the community. This voluntary support can be offered for a period of 12 months.

In addition to the local authority provision of voluntary throughcare, the Scottish Government has commissioned a national throughcare service which is currently provided by Upside who offer support pre and post release. The link to the Upside website which includes direct contact information is: www.upside.scot/