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 Disclaimer
01:42 Release Expectations
04:02 Release Day Stories
05:08 Tag And Curfew Shock
06:19 Family Dynamics After Release
08:49 Routine Changes And Adjustment
11:15 Time Stopped Feeling
14:36 Bonding Moments Return
15:48 What Probation Means
17:35 Kids Fear Probation Power
18:47 Probation Meeting Panic
20:02 Probation Helps Mum Thrive
22:21 Lived Experience Careers
24:26 Probation Is Supportive
26:52 Stigma and Fear of Authority
29:47 Using Your Voice
31:26 Release Advice Take It Slow
34:31 Listener Questions and Guests
35:09 Studio Shoutouts Goodbye