Leaving prison

​Temporary release schemes

There are 3 prison temporary release schemes whereby any eligible prisoner can be temporarily released from prison before the end of their sentence. 

To ensure public safety and maintain public confidence in the system, prisoners are only released on temporary licence after they have been assessed and approved for temporary release by a panel made up of a: 

• ​prison governor 
• prison probation officer 
• prison psychologist 
• relevant unit manager 
• head of residence 
• independent member of the public 

Young Offender’s Institute (YOI) Licence

A YOI Licence allows for early release of any prisoner under the age of 22 who is eligible. They are released on YOI licences at the earliest possible release date, which is when two thirds of the sentence is served. 

They must report to the Probation Service until their sentence is served. This helps manage the young offender’s reintegration into the community.  

There are certain conditions the young offender needs to adhere to in order to fulfil their term on licence.

If you need support prior to your release or once you have left prison, you can find out more information about the Probation and Aftercare Team.

The Prison Chaplaincy team offer through the gate mentoring support for all released prisoners that would benefit from additional support. ​

Conditional Early Release (CER)

The Conditional Early Release (CER) Scheme provides opportunities for prisoners to be successfully tested in the local community. It includes opportunities for engagement with community work and gaining work experience prior to the end of their custodial sentence. A balance between the resettlement needs of an eligible prisoner and the need to protect public safety must be maintained. ​

Components of CER

Community work

To allow prisoners to be involved in the community work, giving payback to the local community. 

Paid work

Prisoners will also be expected to gain full-time paid employment that may continue after their sentence has been served.

Home detention curfew

To allow the prisoners to reside in their own place of residence while serving part of their sentence in the community under CER licence conditions. 

Supervision in the community

The Conditional Early Release Licence will be supervised by the Jersey Probation and After Care Service with frequent supervision and drug testing conducted by Prison staff. 

Day release is not currently permitted but is under review.​