We spoke to our CAS3 team to delve into the essential work carried out by this service. We will also gain a first-hand look into a client’s experience within CAS3.
What is CAS3 and what role does Julian House have?
CAS3 stands for Community Accommodation Service Tier 3.
This service provides temporary accommodation for up to 84 nights for homeless prison leavers and those moving on from Approved Premises or the Bail Accommodation and Support Service. CAS3 assists them in finding settled accommodation.
From July 2021 CAS3 has been available in five regions, providing temporary accommodation for approximately 3,000 offenders. From December 2022, CAS3 was rolled out nationally to 12 regions.
Julian House has been awarded a part of this, providing 24 units of accommodation across Bath and North-East Somerset, North Somerset and Somerset. All accommodation comes fully furnished including bedding, white goods, TV, internet and a food & hygiene pack.
Through its partnerships and holistic approach, CAS3 empowers individuals to reclaim their lives, fostering a safer and more secure community for all.
What’s the collaborative relationship between our housing officers and the probation officers?
The housing officers and Community Probation Practitioners (CPP) work closely together to support the clients. This includes regular contact (at least weekly) to share information, including risk, and agree next steps. The overall responsibility for the case remains with the CPP with our Housing Officers providing additional support and advice where needed.
We also act as the ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground, supporting CPPs while ensuring clients are complying with any license conditions. The key to this is communication.
We ensure we have regular contact with the Community Probation Practitioners (CPP), so we are aware of what their priority is with the clients and agree what tasks we will complete to assist them with that.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in running CAS3?
The biggest challenge within the CAS3 service is finding appropriate move-on accommodation within the 84 nights they are within CAS3 accommodation.
The team approaches this with a dynamic and creative approach, exploring all options, ensuring they are linked in with local Homeless Prevention Teams and clients are actively working towards their housing plan.
We also ensure that move-on accommodation is discussed with the client and their Community Probation Practitioner at least once a week during their time at the accommodation.
Are there any plans for CAS3 in the coming years?
We are currently in the mobilisation phase of CAS3. Our focus now is to continue onboarding properties across our locations to provide 24 units of accommodation.
Looking at CAS3 from our Client’s perspective:
Can you walk us through a typical week at CAS3?
“They arranged one meeting a week to check how things are going and if I need any assistance. They let me know I am able to ring them at any time if I need anything. I also normally get a phone call on Mondays to check how my weekend went.”
What were some immediate challenges you faced, and how did CAS3 assist you?
“I didn’t have any access to the Internet when I first moved in due to my license conditions. CAS3 helped me find things in the local area, got me phone numbers I needed, and the flat had the essential food and cooking items needed for when I first moved in.’”
Can you share a meaningful interaction you had with a housing officer?
“I have been frustrated with probation a few times and I was able to talk this over with the staff members. They offered me a sympathetic ear but also helped me see sense.’”
Are there any specific resources or services that you were signposted to, and how they helped you?
“I was helped with food vouchers and informed where the food bank was. More recently they have been helping me source grants to help furnish my new flat.’”
Our CAS3 team work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the support they need. This service is vital to ensure the clients can continue their positive path forward after prison, avoiding homelessness and finding peace within reintegration.
To continue providing services like CAS3, we rely on generous donations from our supporters.
