Offender rehabilitation

The Offender Rehabilitation Act (ORA) is part of the Transforming Rehabilitation programme. It came into force on 1 February 2015 and introduced important changes to how offenders are supported after leaving prison.

Under the Act, people who serve short prison sentences of less than 12 months now receive supervision in the community. This aims to reduce reoffending and help individuals rebuild their lives.

The rules apply if your offence was committed on or after 1 February 2015, you were sentenced to a custodial term of more than one day, and you are 18 or over when released.

Supervision is provided by probation services. It usually includes regular appointments and practical support, such as help with housing, finding work and accessing services. The goal is to give people the tools they need to make positive changes.