New policy introduces mandatory support measures across prisons in England and Wales
The HM Prison and Probation Service has introduced a new policy framework aimed at improving support for prisoners with care experience across England and Wales. The “Supporting Prisoners with Care Experience Policy Framework”, issued on 11 May 2026, sets out mandatory actions for prisons to improve identification, support and rehabilitation for people who spent time in local authority care as children. The framework is due to be fully implemented by 30 September 2026.
Under the new rules, every prison must appoint a senior lead and a specific point of contact (SPOC) responsible for supporting care-experienced prisoners. Staff will also be encouraged to complete specialist training focused on understanding trauma, attachment issues and the long-term impact of care experience.
The framework states that prisons should improve how they identify prisoners with care experience, recognising that many individuals may be reluctant to disclose their background because of mistrust, stigma or fear of judgement. Staff are advised to ask questions sensitively and use trauma-informed approaches when discussing childhood experiences.
According to the policy document, research estimates suggest that between 24% and 31% of people in custody are likely to have care experience, despite only around 1% of children entering the care system each year. The guidance highlights that care-experienced prisoners are believed to face increased risks linked to self-harm, assaults, poor mental health and reoffending. It also notes that many may have experienced trauma, instability, isolation and exploitation before entering custody.
Prisons will now be expected to work more closely with local authority leaving care teams, where prisoners under 25 in England, or under 21 in Wales, may be entitled to statutory support. This includes facilitating contact with personal advisers, sharing information where consent is given, and involving advisers in release planning and safeguarding processes.
The framework also encourages prisons to develop peer support networks, care-experienced forums and partnerships with external charities offering advice and advocacy services. Organisations listed in the guidance include the Care Leavers Association, Coram Voice and Become.
Additional measures include improving access to purposeful activity, helping prisoners maintain support networks and providing assistance for individuals seeking access to their social care records. The policy framework states that improving understanding of care experience within prisons is intended to support rehabilitation, meaningful engagement and successful resettlement following release.