An area of major problems to prisoners when getting near to release, is the need for a roof.

The minefield that you think of as home is inevitably full of potholes of angst and recrimination, or impossible to get near. The probation has input into your life because it could be a family member you assaulted or a neighbours pet parrots whatever your circumstances you must try to see the probation's view.

However, the probation is a thick bunch of bananas sometimes and fails to understand real life on numerous occasions. Do not be surprised if you end up in a temporary hostel or bed and breakfast. If you are able to restart your life as you left it, you are in the minority!

If you have to choose a distant destination like Mars, then ask to go and see it before you confirm you wish to go. The hostels are run by people only concerned with making a profit, they have massive powers and can demand you return by ten at night and other draconian measures, so be warned, look before you leap!

If the Social Services get involved with you returning home. Please read the SS pages for advice although I have one bit of warning you should take on board immediately, never loose sight of the fact the SS can only operate with what you tell them!

The probation pays the first week for any accommodation you land in, but from there it is down to you.