How frequently are prisoners with indefinite sentences reviewed for possible release?

How often do people in prison for an unknown amount of time get checked to see if they can leave?

Some people in prison do not know how long they will stay there. They are called prisoners with an indefinite sentence.

These people have meetings to talk about if they are ready to leave prison. These meetings are called reviews.

People in prison will usually have a review every so often. This could be once a year. At each review, people check if it is safe for the prisoner to leave.

If you are a prisoner or you know someone who is, you can ask a prison officer or staff for help to understand when reviews happen.

You can use a calendar or ask someone you trust to help you remember review dates.

Who checks the cases of prisoners with no set release date?

Some people in prison do not know when they will get out. A special group of people looks at these cases to decide what should happen next. They make sure everything is fair and safe.

If you find this hard to understand, you can:

• Ask someone you trust to help explain it.
• Use pictures or symbols to help you.
• Ask for support from a carer or a key worker.

What things change how often people with an indefinite prison sentence are reviewed?

Some people in prison do not know when they will go home. They are called ‘indefinite sentence prisoners’.

There are different things that decide how often their case is checked, such as:

• How safe they are in prison
• If they have changed their behaviour
• If they have done helpful courses or programs
• Advice from prison staff

Helpful tools:

• Someone you trust can help you read or talk about this question
• Use pictures or timelines to help understand

Is there a set time before someone with an indefinite sentence can have their case looked at?

If someone is in prison with no set release date, there is often a certain amount of time they must wait before their case is reviewed. This means someone will check if they can leave prison. If you are unsure, you can ask for help to understand the rules. You can talk to a prison officer, a family member, or an advocate. You can also use tools like picture cards, large print information, or ask someone to explain things step by step to help you understand better.

Can review intervals change during an indefinite sentence?

If someone is in prison for an indefinite sentence, people check their case regularly. These checks are called reviews.

The time between these reviews can change. For example, the reviews might happen more often or less often.

If you are not sure when your next review is, you can ask your caseworker or support person.

It can help to:

• Write down the date of your last review
• Ask someone you trust to help you remember important dates
• Use a calendar or reminder app if you have a phone

Do all countries check things in the same way?

Different countries may check things in different ways.

If you find the words hard to understand, you can ask someone you trust to help you read and explain it.

You can also use tools like reading rulers, coloured overlays, or text-to-speech apps to help you read the question.

What happens in a meeting to decide if someone can leave?

A review meeting is held to decide if a person can leave a place, like a hospital or prison. At the meeting, people will talk about how the person is doing. They will check if the person is safe to leave. The person can say how they feel too. Family or friends may help. You can use pictures, drawings, or talk with a support worker to help you understand.

Can prisoners with indefinite sentences ask for their sentence to be looked at early?

If a person is in prison with no set date to leave, they might want to leave sooner.

They can ask for someone to look at their sentence early. This is called an 'early review'.

If you find this hard to do, you can:

• Ask a prison officer for help
• Talk to your solicitor or lawyer
• Ask an advocate or support worker to help you understand and fill out forms

Remember, it is okay to ask for help if you don't understand something.

Do victims or their families help with the review?

Yes. Victims and their families can share their story and say what happened. This can help people understand their feelings. They can also ask for support. You can bring a friend or someone you trust to help you.

Talking about what happened can be hard. It may help to talk to someone you trust or use support services, like a counsellor.

What is an IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentence?

An IPP sentence is a type of prison sentence.

This sentence is given to people who are thought to be dangerous.

People are given this sentence if a judge thinks they might hurt others again.

There is no set date when the person will leave prison.

The person will only leave prison when it is safe for them to return to the community.

Some people find it helpful to talk to a prison support worker.

It can help to write things down or ask someone you trust to help you understand.

When can a prisoner ask again to leave if they are not allowed out?

If a prisoner asks to leave but is told no, they will get another chance to ask later. This happens at a set time in the future.

Someone at the prison can help the prisoner understand when their next review will be. Prisoners can use a calendar or ask for reminders to remember their next review date.

Does good or bad behaviour in prison change what happens in your review?

People watch how you behave in prison. If you are kind and follow rules, this can help you in your review. If you break rules or behave badly, this can make your review harder.

You can ask for support to help you behave well. You might talk to a staff member, ask for help with your feelings, or use pictures and easy words to help understand what to do.

Can you have a lawyer with you for the review?

Yes, you can have a lawyer or someone to help you during the review. They can speak for you or help explain things. You can also bring someone you trust, like a friend or family member. If you are worried, you can ask for help or talk to someone who knows about the review. Tools like picture cards or having someone read things out loud can help you understand.

Do you have to see a psychologist as part of the review?

Sometimes, you may need to meet with a psychologist for the review. A psychologist is someone who helps people understand their feelings and thoughts.
If you need to see one, someone will tell you.
You can take a family member or friend with you to help you feel comfortable.
It’s okay to ask the psychologist to use easy words.
You can also write down your questions to help you remember them.

Can prisoners with no set release date have their case checked more often if they are sick?

If a person in prison is very sick or has medical problems, their case can be checked more often. This is to make sure they get the help they need.

If you find it hard to understand what the prison or court says, you can ask someone you trust to help explain it. You can also use pictures or simple words to help understand.

Will everyone with an indefinite sentence get their case checked to see if they can leave prison one day?

If you have an indefinite sentence, someone will look at your case to see if you can leave prison in the future.

If you find this hard to understand, you can:

• Ask someone you trust to help you read this.
• Use a reading ruler or coloured overlay to help you see the words.
• Ask for the information in a different way, like in pictures or audio.

Do people think about keeping the public safe when deciding if someone can be released?

When deciding if someone should be released, people think a lot about keeping everyone safe. This means they check if the person might hurt anyone if they are let out.

If you find reading hard, you can ask someone you trust to help you, like a family member, carer, or support worker. You can also try reading tools that make words bigger or read the text out loud.

How do prisoners find out when their review is?

Prisoners are told the date of their review.
A review is a meeting to talk about their case.
The prison will send a letter or tell the prisoner face to face.
If you need help, you can ask a staff member or use a supporter, like an advocate, to explain things.

Can a delay occur in scheduled reviews?

Sometimes, things can be late. This means your review might not happen on the date you were told. If this happens, you can ask someone for help. You can also write down the new date. It might help to use a calendar or a reminder to remember.

How do prisoners find out what happens after their review?

Prisoners are told what has been decided after their review. This means someone explains to them what will happen next.

If it is hard to understand, a staff member can help. They can use easy words or pictures to help explain.

Prisoners can also ask for someone to help them, like an advocate or support worker, to make sure they understand what is being said.

Can family members of prisoners take part in the review?

This question means: Can people in a prisoner's family help when someone looks at the prisoner's case again?

Yes, family members can sometimes help in the review. They may share their thoughts, write letters or speak about the prisoner.

If you find this hard to understand or need help, you can ask someone you trust to read it with you. Drawing a picture or making a list together can also help you understand.