Short-term prisoner release point: responses to targeted consultation

Response from NOVA Scotland

About NOVA Scotland

NOVA Scotland, delivered by the Forces Employment Charity, provides trauma-informed, person-centred support to veterans who are at risk of, or already in contact with, the criminal justice system. Our work focuses on addressing underlying factors associated with offending behaviour and supporting rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. Veterans often present unique, and complex, needs and merit a unique and empathetic framework of support to help them avoid reoffending.

In a custodial context, NOVA Scotland supports veterans through identification, transition planning and “through the gate” support, working with the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), criminal justice social work and community-based partners. Our evidence-led, whole-pathway approach contributes to improved outcomes and reduced reoffending through stabilisation in areas such as accommodation, mental health and wellbeing, relationships and employability.

Question 1: What are your views on changing the release point for certain short-term prisoners to 30%?

A key concern is the absence of robust evidence on the impact of the existing early release framework, combined with the longstanding lack of consistent data on veterans within the criminal justice system. These evidence gaps intersect. Without systematic identification of veterans in custody, it is not possible to assess how changes to release points affect this cohort or whether current arrangements support rehabilitation and reintegration.

Operational experience indicates that a proportion of veterans do not disclose their veteran status. Earlier release points risk further reducing opportunities to identify veterans, undertake meaningful assessment, and put in place trauma-informed, person-centred support prior to release. This has implications for access to stable and suitable accommodation and to interventions addressing trauma-related needs, including PTSD.

The Scottish Veterans’ Commissioner’s report Veterans and the Law highlights the need for earlier identification, improved information-sharing and stronger collaboration across justice partners. These recommendations are directly relevant to the proposed changes, as they rely on sufficient time and coordination for interventions and plans to be effective.

Question 5: What are your views on the proposed transitional approach to initial releases?

Many veterans, like the wider prison population, report feeling unprepared for release. Effective transition planning, access to in-prison support and coordinated throughcare are therefore critical to supporting rehabilitation and public safety.

NOVA Scotland is concerned that accelerated release may constrain the ability of SPS and partners to identify veterans, complete transition planning and connect individuals with community-based support in a timely way. This risks placing additional pressure on already stretched community justice and third sector services and may undermine rehabilitation outcomes.

Question 6: Do you have any other comments?

Any change to release points should be accompanied by strengthened mechanisms for veteran identification, improved data collection and clear, coordinated pathways between custody and community services. Evidence on community-based interventions for veterans, including Journeys to Harmful Behaviour (Probation Institute),^[15] reinforce the importance of early engagement, structured transition planning and continuity of trauma-informed support.

NOVA Scotland would welcome continued engagement on how veterans’ needs can be consistently identified and met within any revised early release framework.