Effective Sentencing and Policy Review:

 

• We call on policymakers to review sentence lengths, implement effective sentencing practices and establish regular sentence reviews for life-sentenced prisoners. Many countries have successfully set limits on the duration of life sentences and mandate periodic assessments for potential release after a specified number of years, recognising the rehabilitative effects of imprisonment and the potential for personal transformation.

 

• We emphasise the urgent need for rehabilitative resources that support life sentenced prisoners and facilitate their development. Rather than focusing on harsher punishments, we advocate for sentencing frameworks that promote rehabilitation, allow for tariff reductions, and encourage positive change.

 

• Given the increase in minimum tariff periods, we recognise that prison policy has not kept pace with the changes associated with longer sentencing. Therefore, we advocate for extending the duration of time that life-sentenced prisoners can spend in open conditions before their tariff expiration, allowing for a longer and more effective adjustment period.

 

      Supporting Life-Sentenced Prisoners:

 

• We support efforts to eliminate restrictions on funding for higher education based on a prisoner’s sentence stage, ensuring that life-sentenced individuals have equal opportunities to pursue learning and self-improvement.

 

• We advocate for the inclusion of holistic resources and customised programs that provide workshops and courses specifically designed for life-sentenced prisoners. These initiatives are crucial for supporting individuals throughout their sentences, especially during the early stages and within the Long-Term High Security Estate. Life-sentenced prisoners require a distinct approach that offers personalised support, enabling them to navigate their sentences effectively, rather than being continually evaluated through a risk lens.

 

• We urge the implementation of training for prison and probation staff to enhance their understanding of the effects of life sentences and to better support individuals serving them. Our goal is to enhance the skill set of prison officials by providing them with materials and guidance on how to better support those serving life sentences. This comprehensive care and support can lead to improved relationships, increased prison safety, and enhanced morale.

 

• We advocate for increased access to technology for life-sentenced prisoners, particularly in long-term facilities. This access would enable them to maintain connections with the outside world, stay informed, and combat feelings of isolation that can hinder their mental well-being.

 

• We seek increased support for prisoners' families to help them maintain relationships by providing financial assistance for communication and visitation. We recognise the vital role that family connections play in rehabilitation and the overall well-being of prisoners.

 

• We are building a membership community for families and friends affected by the prison system, where we can collectively share experiences and advocate for positive change regarding life sentences.

 

• We provide accessible resources that clarify the complex policies and processes within the prison system, including information on categorisation, sentence progression, pre-tariff sifts, parole, and licence conditions. This enables prisoners and their families to navigate the system more easily.

 

Reintegration Support:

 

• We are committed to identifying and promoting specialised support systems for life-sentenced prisoners as they transition back into society, addressing the myriad challenges associated with their reintegration.

 

• We urge the government to provide robust support services upon release, including access to employment resources, housing assistance, and mental health and trauma support, ensuring life-sentenced individuals have the tools necessary to rebuild their lives successfully.

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If we do not address the issues surrounding life sentence practices, we risk creating unsafe prisons and communities. It is essential to offer prisoners hope and opportunities for redemption. Without this support, they may re-enter society in their later years, ill-equipped with crucial life skills and lacking the meaningful relationships that could demonstrate their growth and transformation.