More offenders will be supervised after prison, with new probation services to be provided by the Northumbria Community Rehabilitation Company (Northumbria CRC).
All adult offenders will be subject to a minimum of 12 months supervision in the community following their release and this means that those with jail sentences of under 12 months will receive probation supervision for the first time.
The provision, known as ‘through the gate’, is being introduced as part of the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014. It applies to those receiving custodial sentences for offences committed on or after February 1, 2015.
Nick Hall, chief executive of Northumbria CRC, said: “This is a very welcome move which will enable us to work with more offenders who need support in re-settling as positive members of the community, rather than returning to their previous lifestyle of committing crimes.
“We know that for many people, this period of supervision and support is vital if they’re going to change and stop offending, leading to fewer victims.”