Our services
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The Miscarriage of Justice Support Service (MJSS) is a specialist service delivered by RCJ Advice, a Citizens Advice & Law Centre based out of the Royal Courts of Justice, working across England & Wales. The service is funded by – but operates independently of – HMPPS.
Our role is to support individuals whose criminal convictions have been quashed by the Court of Appeal in England or Wales, or who are awaiting a hearing following a referral from the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
We have supported individuals affected by wrongful convictions since 2002. In that time, we have built a deep understanding of the lasting trauma of wrongful imprisonment and the complex challenges people face after release. Our service is free, confidential, and impartial — and we remain wholly independent of the legal and judicial systems.
Why our service is needed
When someone’s conviction is quashed, they are released immediately, if still in custody, often with no prior notice and no access to statutory resettlement services. Because their conviction has been overturned, they are no longer eligible for probation support and may leave prison without housing, financial support, or a clear plan in place.
People affected by miscarriages of justice often face significant and long-term challenges:
- Housing – Many leave prison into homelessness or unstable accommodation.
- Finances – Delays in accessing benefits and lack of income create immediate hardship.
- Health – Complex mental and physical health needs may have gone unmet during imprisonment.
- Isolation – Relationships may have broken down, and the stigma of the original offence can persist, making community reintegration particularly difficult.
In addition to these practical challenges, many individuals feel profoundly isolated. Because of stigma, fear of disbelief, or ongoing emotional trauma, they may have no one else they feel able to talk to about their experience. In some cases, we may be the only people they speak to openly about what has happened to them. Our service provides not only practical assistance, but a vital opportunity to be heard and supported without judgment.
What we do
We offer long-term, person-centred, trauma-informed support tailored to the needs of each individual. Our help may include:
- Securing appropriate accommodation
- Accessing welfare benefits and financial support
- Reinstating National Insurance credits for time spent wrongfully imprisoned
- Registering with a GP and accessing healthcare services
- Supporting access to emotional and psychological therapy
- Assisting with removal of wrongful convictions from the Police National Computer (PNC)
Support continues for as long as the individual needs it. For some, that means short-term help post-release. For many, it involves sustained, long-term support to rebuild a life interrupted by years of imprisonment.
We provide a safe, confidential space where individuals can begin to talk about what they’ve experienced — often for the first time. That space, and the time we give to build trust, is vital to recovery.
Support during the appeal process
Our support frequently begins before a conviction is overturned. When the CCRC refers a case to the Court of Appeal, they notify us, and we reach out to offer support.
Where an individual is still in custody, we provide in-reach support — including prison visits — to start building a working relationship and develop a plan for life after release. Together, we explore housing options, health and emotional support needs, and any personal concerns, including the need to relocate due to media attention or personal safety.
This early engagement is essential for:
- Immediate release: Individuals are released directly from court or prison if their conviction is quashed. Without planning, they risk leaving with no accommodation or support in place.
- Building trust: Many individuals have spent years feeling unheard or dismissed within the criminal justice system. Early, compassionate engagement helps us begin developing a relationship built on trust — something that takes time, especially following the profound impact of a prolonged legal process.
Our approach overall
- Independent – We are funded by HMPPS but are independent from legal and probation services, allowing us to advocate solely for the individual.
- Trauma-informed – We recognise the deep emotional and psychological impact of wrongful conviction and tailor our approach accordingly.
- Long-term – There are no time limits on our support.
- Person-centred – Our work is shaped by the priorities, experiences, and voices of the individuals we support.
- A space to be heard – For many people, we are the only consistent support they have. We offer a safe space to speak openly about their experience, without stigma or judgment.
- Collaborative – We work alongside families, legal teams, health professionals and campaigners to help ensure the person is fully supported.
Further information
To find out more about the work we do, you can email mjss@rcjadvice.org.uk.
Please note: The MJSS does not give legal advice and we do not investigate miscarriages of justice.
