It is a date which hangs heavy on the mind of every prisoner. The moment they can walk the streets again as a free person.
They might have been building up to this important day for weeks, months, years or even decades. But what actually happens during their first hours on the outside?
Figures published by the Ministry of Justice indicate that 947 offenders who were freed from custody between 1 May and 8 June this year were identified as homeless on their first night out of custody, 98 of whom were young offenders (aged between 18-24).
People released from prison into homelessness have almost double the rate of reoffending.
MACS have a dedicated Prison Resettlement Worker who works with young people that are leaving custody and at risk of homelessness for more information please contact sineadcassidy@macsni.org
#EndYouthHomelessness #Homeless #Hope