My partner, an ex-prisoner, has been unfairly caught up in the loop of a broken probation system. He is constantly being recalled and imposed with licence conditions that leave him homeless, despite having a secure home to return to. His struggles with alcohol aren’t being met with the support he needs, but rather with oppressive restrictions that only perpetuate his predicament.

Unfortunately, his case is not isolated. The current probation system is noted for its inadequacies in supporting the rehabilitation of ex-offenders, instead contributing significantly to an overcrowded penal system. This is perpetuated by unnecessary recalls which, according to Prison Reform Trust, make up 38% of the total prison population.

The unsatisfactory state of the probation service not only hampers individuals' ability to reintegrate into society post-release, it also places a strain on societal resources, as it is estimated that reoffending costs the UK taxpayer between £9.5 and £13 billion annually (Ministry of Justice). Changes need to be made to these policies to effectively support the rehabilitation of ex-offenders like my partner and alleviate the straining prison system.

We urgently call for a review and reform of the probation service and its policies for post-release supervision. It's time for this system to be accountable for its shortcomings and to cease setting up ex-prisoners for failure. Let's ensure these individuals are given the appropriate support and structure to successfully reintegrate into society, instead of being forced into a cycle of re-offence. Sign the petition now to help initiate this vital change.