Individuals who need extra supervision by probation staff when serving their sentence, whilst living in the community, may be directed to live in an Approved Premise (hostel). This includes people on bail, Community Order or on their release from prison.

Whilst at a hostel individuals are not under constant supervision or monitoring unlike prison, however they are subject to rules which can affect their behaviour.

People live in Approved Premises because:
They have been ordered to do so by the courts as a condition of bail or
It is a requirement of a community order because the court believes that they need more supervision or a settled address or
It is a condition of their post-release prison licence.
Offenders living in Approved Premises are not free to come and go as they please but have to follow strict rules including a hostel curfew, usually from 11pm to 6am.
Offenders may be required to “sign-in” with Approved Premises staff at certain parts of the day and agree to drug/alcohol testing

Approved Premises are staffed round the clock.

Approved Premises staff are in close contact with Offender Managers and:-
- the police
- residents
- the local community.

Approved Premises staff have a wealth of experience and training. They have an opportunity to influence positive change with offenders and prevent re-offending.

People living in Approved Premises have to comply with other requirements of Community Orders or licences such as attending groupwork programmes, training projects and other court order/licence conditions such as no contact with victims or reporting to the local police station.

Approved Premises are a good stepping stone for a prisoner released back into the community for three reasons:
It offers structure, stability and assists with rehabilitation programmes.
It offers accommodation and time for careful planning of suitable, permanent accommodation for the resident elsewhere in the community.
It offers added protection to the public from offenders who may have committed high risk offences.

Approved Premises Rules
Approved Premises enable the Probation Service to monitor offenders behaviour whilst they are living in the community and before they are at liberty to live independently. Residents are required, as a minimum, to follow the house rules, however they may be subject to additional rules if appropriate.

Curfew, residents must stay on the premises between 11-00 at night and 6-00 in the morning.

Rent, must be paid promptly on the day benefit or income is received. Any arrears must be paid as agreed with your Keyworker. Failure to comply with the agreement will result in the total arrears becoming due for payment.

Behaviour, racist, sexist, violent, abusive, bullying or intimidating behaviour is banned. Action, which results in the theft of, or damage to, property of the approved premises, staff contractors or residents, is also banned.

Medication, all prescribed and over the counter medication must be handed into the approved premises staff. Medication will be issued in accordance with the instructions. Medication will not be issued if approved premises staff believe that doing so would be a risk to the resident’s health and safety. Then advice will be sought from either the prescribing Doctor or NHS Direct.

Prohibited Substances, alcohol, solvents and controlled drugs, other than on prescription and about which approved premises staff know, are banned. Drug using equipment is also banned.

Room Searches, the approved premises has the right to search residents' rooms and belongings as written in the Approved Premises Handbook. Any item, which poses a risk or causes offence, will be removed.

Status of Residency, residents are defined in law as Licensees and have no right of tenancy. The Approved Premises Managing Body can end the period of residency at any time.

Reasonable Instructions, residents must comply with all reasonable instructions given by probation staff, the Ashley House Management Committee, Approved Premises staff or staff working for contractors.

Personal Belongings, neither the Probation Service nor the Ashley House Management Committee accept responsibility for residents' personal belongings. Electrical items must not be used in the Approved Premises until checked for safety by an approved member of staff. The Approved Premises may keep residents' belongings for up to 3 months after the resident leaves after which they will be disposed of. If a resident is breached or absconds from the approved premises all the belongings in the room will be regarded as belonging to that person. Staff will not give items to other residents. Items will only be given to another person upon receipt of a letter signed by the ex-resident or if asked for by the police. Any item that could be used as a weapon must be handed into the Approved Premises staff.

Drug Testing, the Approved Premises has the right to randomly test any resident regarding the use of alcohol or drugs. This may be done either by probation staff or through partnership staff.

Additional Conditions, residents must comply with any additional conditions as part of bail, Community Order or Licence.
All residents will be asked to sign these rules as part of their Induction, and so doing agree to the above. Failure to sign may constitute the Breach of Bail, Community Order or Licence. Voluntary residents are also bound by these rules.

An example of typical daily routine within the hostel
7/7.30 Curfew check & breakfast
8.15 Breakfast ends
9.00 Daily meeting
health and safety checks of residents rooms
distribution of mail
reminders about appointments
9.30 Staff meeting
10.00 Activities/groupwork or programmes
12.30 Appointment with key worker
1.00pm Activities regarding employment or benefit issues
4.30pm Meeting with key worker
5.00pm Evening meal
6.00pm Activities or meetings with key worker
11.00pm Curfew check
doors locked and alarm set

Random curfew checks throughout the evening and early morning.

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