Voices Unlocked Ep. 11 | Release, Probation & Rebuilding Family Life After Prison

In this episode of Voices Unlocked, Liv and Lorna discuss what “release” is really like after prison, challenging the idea that it’s simply the end of the journey. Liv shares her experience of her mum coming home, including the surprise of probation, daily reporting, and being placed on an ankle tag with strict curfew rules, and how confusing and scary that felt as a child.They explore how release can disrupt family routines and create difficult power dynamics when other relatives have been primary caregivers, alongside the emotional impact of lost time and a parent struggling to adjust to a child growing up. Lorna explains probation, licence conditions, and why families may fear probation’s power, while also highlighting how supportive probation can be. Liv reflects on wanting to give back through her work and possibly becoming a probation officer.Chapters:00:00 Quick Disclaimer01:42 Release Expectations04:02 Release Day Stories05:08 Tag And Curfew Shock06:19 Family Dynamics After Release08:49 Routine Changes And Adjustment11:15 Time Stopped Feeling14:36 Bonding Moments Return15:48 What Probation Means17:35 Kids Fear Probation Power18:47 Probation Meeting Panic20:02 Probation Helps Mum Thrive22:21 Lived Experience Careers24:26 Probation Is Supportive26:52 Stigma and Fear of Authority29:47 Using Your Voice31:26 Release Advice Take It Slow34:31 Listener Questions and Guests35:09 Studio Shoutouts Goodbye