Background

YS was referred by social workers from James Cook Hospital – she’s HIV-positive and had been living in unsanitary conditions, which compromised her health.

The property had been sourced by the probation service and had water running down the walls. The landlord was making her pay a charge for repairs and she was informed by her previous probation officer that she could not live anywhere else as other services wouldn’t take her in.

In the past, YS was sentenced to prison for 8.5 years for arson with intent to endanger lives as her two children were in the property when she set fire to the curtains. YS is on license until 2023 and has recently had a MAPPA 2 category removed before moving into Hestia.

YS had social services involvement, which has recently been removed, and also had supervised contact with her daughter. This has also been removed and YS can now see her daughter at any time).

Getting the support needed

YS is extremely remorseful about the crime she committed and finds it difficult to recognise the decline of her mental health at that time. She has been on the Starfish waiting list for PTSD therapy, which has recently commenced.

YS has had no offers of intervention work from probation, however, she has recently had a change of probation officer and this is helping her confidence.

Where are they now?

YS was claiming employment and support allowance and has recently been awarded PIP – this has dramatically changed YS’ lifestyle and she’s able to afford much better quality food, etc.

We’re hopeful that YS will attend college to continue the education she received in prison and continue on her upward trajectory.