Offender Management in Custody

11 Nov 2023 | Committee report linked

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) about the resettlement support provided for prison leavers.1

On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) about the resettlement support provided for prison leavers.1 Type: conclusion | Number: …

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11 Nov 2023 | Committee report linked

We asked MoJ and HMPPS about how successful outcomes for prisoners with substance misuse needs are measured. HMPPS told us there is range of things that could 18 Committee of Public Accounts, Mental health in prisons, Eighth Report of Session 2017–19, HC 400, 13 December 2017 19 C&AG’s Report, para 22 20 Q63; C&AG’s Report, para 2.12 21 C&AG’s Report, para 2.12 22 Q63 23 C&AG’s Report, para 1.24 24 Qq 64–67; C&AG’s Report, para 3.7 25 Qq 69–70 26 C&AG’s Report, para 3.13 Resettlement support ...

We asked MoJ and HMPPS about how successful outcomes for prisoners with substance misuse needs are measured. HMPPS told us there is range of things that could 18 Committee of Public Accounts, Mental health in prisons, Eighth Report of Session …

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28 Sep 2022 | Committee report linked

The psychological harm caused by IPP sentences is a considerable barrier to progression for some IPP prisoners. The indefinite nature of the sentence has contributed to feelings of hopelessness and despair that has resulted in high levels of self-harm and some suicides within the IPP population. In addition to this, IPP prisoners distrust the people and services that are necessary to support their progression. In identifying solutions to the IPP problem, the MoJ, HMPPS and Parole Board must a...

The psychological harm caused by IPP sentences is a considerable barrier to progression for some IPP prisoners. The indefinite nature of the sentence has contributed to feelings of hopelessness and despair that has resulted in high levels of self-harm and …

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28 Sep 2022 | Committee report linked

Additionally, there are a small number of mentally unwell prisoners who are subsequently transferred to a secure mental hospital. For these prisoners, the process for post-tariff release is more complex, and we are not clear what support is offered to those who, after a period of treatment, are no longer deemed detainable under the Mental Health Act 1983, but do not go on to meet the Parole Board’s test for release, and are then transferred back to prison from the secure hospital. The MoJ, HM...

Additionally, there are a small number of mentally unwell prisoners who are subsequently transferred to a secure mental hospital. For these prisoners, the process for post-tariff release is more complex, and we are not clear what support is offered to …

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28 Sep 2022 | Committee report linked

As set out earlier in this Report, the recall of IPP sentenced individuals is a growing problem. IPP prisoners face particular challenges with resettlement, and careful consideration must therefore be given as to how they are prepared for their release and subsequently supported in the community. We agree with the Prison Reform Trust that efforts to successfully reintegrate IPP prison leavers into society must match those efforts being made to help them to achieve release.

As set out earlier in this Report, the recall of IPP sentenced individuals is a growing problem. IPP prisoners face particular challenges with resettlement, and careful consideration must therefore be given as to how they are prepared for their release …

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28 Sep 2022 | Committee report linked

We welcome the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all prison leavers leave prison with the basics, such as ID and a bank account, and ask that updates on this programme of work be provided to us. We would also welcome progress updates on the introduction of Resettlement Passports. As the passports are developed, we recommend that the MoJ works with stakeholders to give particular consideration as to how they can be used to meet the needs of IPP prisoners, including how resources such as...

We welcome the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all prison leavers leave prison with the basics, such as ID and a bank account, and ask that updates on this programme of work be provided to us. We would also welcome …

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28 Sep 2022 | Committee report linked

In establishing how to undertake a resentencing exercise of IPP prisoners and what legislation would be needed, it will be important to keep in mind the following three key principles: (Paragraph 175) a) Balancing protection of the public with justice for the individual offender: A resentencing exercise must strike a balance between protecting the public from the risk of IPP prisoners committing serious further offences if released and securing justice for individual offenders. To achieve tha...

In establishing how to undertake a resentencing exercise of IPP prisoners and what legislation would be needed, it will be important to keep in mind the following three key principles: (Paragraph 175) a) Balancing protection of the public with justice …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

Whilst it is disappointing that the MoJ’s progress to date in establishing five new Residential Women’s Centres has been slow, we welcome the Government’s recent announcement that Swansea will be the location of the first centre. The Ministry of Justice should set out an indicative timeline for the development of the remaining four pilot sites. (Paragraph 87) 76 Women in Prison

Whilst it is disappointing that the MoJ’s progress to date in establishing five new Residential Women’s Centres has been slow, we welcome the Government’s recent announcement that Swansea will be the location of the first centre. The Ministry of Justice …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

We recognise that the Residential Women’s Centre model is new and untested, and so we acknowledge the concerns of many of our witnesses over how the centres will operate in practice and how their provision will differ from that of custody. As it develops its plans for the Swansea centre and other sites, the Ministry of Justice should set out in greater detail how the centres will operate in practice, including how they will differ from custody. Additionally, the MoJ should set out how it inte...

We recognise that the Residential Women’s Centre model is new and untested, and so we acknowledge the concerns of many of our witnesses over how the centres will operate in practice and how their provision will differ from that of …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

The Committee has heard about the benefits of existing Women’s Centres in potentially diverting women from custody and providing support to women in their local communities. We note the concerns raised by witnesses that the Government’s investment in Residential Women’s Centres risks diverting money away from Women’s Centres that have a proven track record. We would welcome reassurance from the Government that there will not be a diversion of resources away from existing Women’s Centres. The ...

The Committee has heard about the benefits of existing Women’s Centres in potentially diverting women from custody and providing support to women in their local communities. We note the concerns raised by witnesses that the Government’s investment in Residential Women’s …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

Evidence suggests that Community Sentence Treatment Requirements (CSTRs) can offer a credible and appropriate alternative to custody for women. The Committee welcomes the work being done to increase their use from what is a very low base through the CSTR Programme. The Ministry of Justice should now commit to rolling out the programme so that CSTRs are available in all court areas to achieve 100% coverage. (Paragraph 95) Better Custody

Evidence suggests that Community Sentence Treatment Requirements (CSTRs) can offer a credible and appropriate alternative to custody for women. The Committee welcomes the work being done to increase their use from what is a very low base through the CSTR …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

The increasing level of self-harm in the female estate over the last decade is alarming and while the number of self-inflicted deaths is low, even one death is one too many. We recognise that the MoJ and HMPPS are working to address self-harm levels across the female estate and welcome the ongoing work to improve the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process, and roll out the Offender Management in Custody Model. We note that the revised ACCT process is still relatively new, and...

The increasing level of self-harm in the female estate over the last decade is alarming and while the number of self-inflicted deaths is low, even one death is one too many. We recognise that the MoJ and HMPPS are working …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

We welcome the implementation of the Offender Management in Custody model in 2021. The Ministry of Justice should confirm whether OMiC has now been rolled out fully across the female estate, and if it has not, the MoJ should set out a timeline for achieving this, including when it is anticipated that all women will be allocated a keyworker.

We welcome the implementation of the Offender Management in Custody model in 2021. The Ministry of Justice should confirm whether OMiC has now been rolled out fully across the female estate, and if it has not, the MoJ should set …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

Many women in prison or in contact with the criminal justice system have experienced past trauma, the effects of which can be long-lasting and affect the way in which an individual interacts with the system. We welcome the work the MoJ and HMPPS are doing to implement a trauma-informed approach across the female prison estate. We also welcome the mandatory training for staff, although it is unclear whether this covers operational staff only or extends to every person working on site.

Many women in prison or in contact with the criminal justice system have experienced past trauma, the effects of which can be long-lasting and affect the way in which an individual interacts with the system. We welcome the work the …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

We continue to believe that it is not acceptable for the custodial environment to be used as a ‘place of safety’ for the acutely unwell, or for a person’s ‘own protection’. Community settings also have a duty of care to individuals, and prisons should not be regarded as a solution to the failings of care and protection in the community. We reiterate the recommendations made in our Report ‘Mental Health in Prison’, and seek an update from the Government on the steps it is taking to address the...

We continue to believe that it is not acceptable for the custodial environment to be used as a ‘place of safety’ for the acutely unwell, or for a person’s ‘own protection’. Community settings also have a duty of care to …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

It is disappointing that data gathering on this issue is so poor, such that it is not possible to estimate the number of people affected across the prison estate. The Ministry of Justice should put in place mechanisms for the collection of reliable data on the use of custody as a place of safety or for a person’s own protection for all cohorts of prisoners (male, female and youth).

It is disappointing that data gathering on this issue is so poor, such that it is not possible to estimate the number of people affected across the prison estate. The Ministry of Justice should put in place mechanisms for the …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

It is concerning that issues relating to healthcare continue to be a contributing factor to deaths in custody. The MoJ, HMPPS and NHSE/I should set out what work they are doing to: • improve communications between staff across all disciplines in prisons; • improve the response to medical emergencies; and • improve drug management processes. We welcome both the Women’s Review, and the National Mental Health Needs Analysis, which will provide a greater understanding of physical and mental healt...

It is concerning that issues relating to healthcare continue to be a contributing factor to deaths in custody. The MoJ, HMPPS and NHSE/I should set out what work they are doing to: • improve communications between staff across all disciplines …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

The New Futures Network has the potential to increase job opportunities for women upon release from prison. However, given the small size of the female estate and the likelihood that women will be placed far from home, it is unclear how the New Futures Network will adapt to address this specific need. The Ministry of Justice should set out how their New Futures Network strategy for female prisons differs to that for the male estate, taking into consideration the specific challenges that are p...

The New Futures Network has the potential to increase job opportunities for women upon release from prison. However, given the small size of the female estate and the likelihood that women will be placed far from home, it is unclear …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

We recognise the resettlement challenges that women may face when they are held in custody far from their home area. We welcome the efforts to address this for prisoners held on remand. However, it is not clear what wider work is being done to mitigate the effects of geography on resettlement. The Ministry of Justice and HMPPS should set out what work is being done to mitigate the disadvantage some women may face to their resettlement when they are held in custody far from their homes.

We recognise the resettlement challenges that women may face when they are held in custody far from their home area. We welcome the efforts to address this for prisoners held on remand. However, it is not clear what wider work …

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26 Jul 2022 | Committee report linked

Continuity of care for women on short and longer sentences is fundamental to successful resettlement. The MoJ and HMPPS should set out what work they are doing to ensure that women experience continuity of care from prison through to release. (Paragraph 226) 82 Women in Prison

Continuity of care for women on short and longer sentences is fundamental to successful resettlement. The MoJ and HMPPS should set out what work they are doing to ensure that women experience continuity of care from prison through to release. …

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29 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

NHS England should liaise with the Parole Board to identify local areas where there are problems arranging mental health treatment packages for prisoners under consideration for parole. NHS England should then work with the new NHS Integrated Care Systems and providers to help them understand and fulfil their responsibilities so that these prisoners may be released safely and promptly.

NHS England should liaise with the Parole Board to identify local areas where there are problems arranging mental health treatment packages for prisoners under consideration for parole. NHS England should then work with the new NHS Integrated Care Systems and …

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29 Sep 2021 | Committee report linked

Despite longstanding difficulties arranging continuity of healthcare for prisoners on their release, the NHS RECONNECT programme, which is meant to resolve these problems, is in its infancy. In the meantime, prisoners who have been receiving treatment in prison for mental illnesses are often released to find that there are no services for them in the community, including no medication. The transition from prison to life outside is challenging enough for these prisoners without this sudden wit...

Despite longstanding difficulties arranging continuity of healthcare for prisoners on their release, the NHS RECONNECT programme, which is meant to resolve these problems, is in its infancy. In the meantime, prisoners who have been receiving treatment in prison for mental …

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23 Apr 2021 | Committee report linked

We welcome the additional investment the Ministry of Justice has made to improve Through the Gate service provision until existing contracts end. We are pleased that this additional investment has resulted in an improved service for those in need of resettlement support and we hope that the service continues to improve under the new model of probation. We particularly welcome the Ministry’s intention to improve the integration between prison and community. All this being said, we have heard f...

We welcome the additional investment the Ministry of Justice has made to improve Through the Gate service provision until existing contracts end. We are pleased that this additional investment has resulted in an improved service for those in need of …

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23 Apr 2021 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out how they intend the new model to be delivered practically on a local level, and how the model will work alongside those services commissioned through the Dynamic Framework. The Ministry should detail how they will ensure the “in-reach” (pre-release contact between the probation offender manager and prisoner) aspect of the new model works in practice, considering challenges often faced in regard to security clearance, access to space and the op...

We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out how they intend the new model to be delivered practically on a local level, and how the model will work alongside those services commissioned through the Dynamic Framework. The Ministry should …

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23 Apr 2021 | Committee report linked

We note that the new resettlement model is being developed alongside the Offender Management in Custody (OMiC) Model. While we welcome both models, our inquiry has highlighted some concern that the OMiC model has not yet been fully rolled out across the prison estate, which could affect implementation and success of the resettlement model. We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out the status of roll-out of the OMiC model, including how many prisons are implementing the model fully, pa...

We note that the new resettlement model is being developed alongside the Offender Management in Custody (OMiC) Model. While we welcome both models, our inquiry has highlighted some concern that the OMiC model has not yet been fully rolled out …

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24 Mar 2021 | Committee report linked

HMPPS’ data shows that during 2020, there were 67 self-inflicted deaths in custody, and 58,879 self-harm incidents in the 12 months to September 2020. We heard from HMPPS that while these levels are high, they are showing signs of declining. The situation remains particularly alarming for female prisoners.8 We welcomed HMPPS’ work to set up a taskforce to address issues facing female prisoners directly, including one-to-one counselling and initiatives to maintain family contact. HMPPS recogni...

HMPPS’ data shows that during 2020, there were 67 self-inflicted deaths in custody, and 58,879 self-harm incidents in the 12 months to September 2020. We heard from HMPPS that while these levels are high, they are showing signs of declining. …

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10 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

The findings of HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ report on separation are serious and echo much of what has been reported in evidence to us and in other publications. We are concerned about differences in practice across the estate. The Ministry of Justice and Youth Custody Service should set out what is being done to ensure coherent and consistent practice across the estate.

The findings of HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ report on separation are serious and echo much of what has been reported in evidence to us and in other publications. We are concerned about differences in practice across the estate. The Ministry …

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10 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

We welcome the recent announcement that officers working in youth custody will become Youth Justice Specialists after completing degree-level training, but we remain concerned about staff turnover in the youth estate, and the effect that staffing difficulties have on day-to-day running of the secure estate. The Ministry of Justice should set out its workforce strategy, specifically relating to staff in the youth custodial estate. We further recommend that the Ministry commission research into...

We welcome the recent announcement that officers working in youth custody will become Youth Justice Specialists after completing degree-level training, but we remain concerned about staff turnover in the youth estate, and the effect that staffing difficulties have on day-to-day …

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10 Feb 2021 | Committee report linked

While some transition planning may take place before a young person leaves the youth estate, we are not convinced that the adult estate is sufficiently equipped to support all those who make that move. We recommend that the Ministry of Justice mandate appropriate transition planning in the over-18 estate for those coming from youth estate to ensure that those who do so do not find themselves on a ‘cliff edge’. We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out when the ‘transition from youth t...

While some transition planning may take place before a young person leaves the youth estate, we are not convinced that the adult estate is sufficiently equipped to support all those who make that move. We recommend that the Ministry of …

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11 Sep 2020 | Committee report linked

Both the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge and the Prison Reform Trust told us that while the worst-case scenario for deaths from the pandemic had been avoided, the cost to the mental health of prisoners was certain to be very high..65 We asked how HMPPS was addressing the impact of this on the mental health of prisoners. HMPPS recognised how difficult it could be for people to be locked in their cells for longer than usual. It told us that, despite this, it had seen som...

Both the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge and the Prison Reform Trust told us that while the worst-case scenario for deaths from the pandemic had been avoided, the cost to the mental health of prisoners was certain …

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11 Sep 2020 | Committee report linked

In April 2020, the Chief Inspector of Prisons similarly found that, within local prisons, resettlement assessments and planning for release had been limited as a result of COVID-19. It found that good efforts had been made to address accommodation needs at several prisons and few prisoners were released homeless. However, it was clear that for many prisoners the only provision was short-term, emergency accommodation that was often found only on the day of release. It also heard of one instanc...

In April 2020, the Chief Inspector of Prisons similarly found that, within local prisons, resettlement assessments and planning for release had been limited as a result of COVID-19. It found that good efforts had been made to address accommodation needs …

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11 Sep 2020 | Written evidence linked

As part of our inquiry, we received written evidence from the Prison Reform Trust, Professor Nicola Padfield the University of Cambridge, and from Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. They told us that shortcomings in the prison estate, particularly the extent of crowding in prisons, had been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Institute of Criminology was concerned that people were essentially being left to “rot” in their cells, “bore...

As part of our inquiry, we received written evidence from the Prison Reform Trust, Professor Nicola Padfield the University of Cambridge, and from Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. They told us that …

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11 Sep 2020 | Written evidence linked

The way offenders were treated on their release from prison has a significant impact on how they re-integrate into society.80 We received written evidence from Middlesex University, which told us that poor or inadequate resettlement pathways had resulted in lack of adequate housing options for prisoners on their release.81 On 4th April 2020, the Government announced that up to 4,000 prisoners could be released to prevent the spread 75 Q 43, Ministry of Justice, Economic and social costs of re...

The way offenders were treated on their release from prison has a significant impact on how they re-integrate into society.80 We received written evidence from Middlesex University, which told us that poor or inadequate resettlement pathways had resulted in lack …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out what additional mental health support is available for prisoners and what their long-term plan is to mitigate the effect lockdown may have on the mental health of prisoners should prisons remain in this current phase for a prolonged period.

We recommend that the Ministry of Justice set out what additional mental health support is available for prisoners and what their long-term plan is to mitigate the effect lockdown may have on the mental health of prisoners should prisons remain …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

We are pleased to hear that more than 98% of the prison estate now has cohorting in place. This appears to have been an effective strategy for containing the spread of the virus and protect the lives of staff and prisoners. The Committee thank all of the staff who have worked to implement this measure.

We are pleased to hear that more than 98% of the prison estate now has cohorting in place. This appears to have been an effective strategy for containing the spread of the virus and protect the lives of staff and …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

It can be very difficult to accommodate some older individuals on the prison estate. Steps taken by some prisons to develop specific wings or units for older prisoners are welcome, though the variability of individual needs should be considered. Good practice around the accommodation of older prisoners should be shared more widely. Ageing prison population 45 We recommend that all prisons housing a significant number of older prisoners designate appropriate accommodation for those with more c...

It can be very difficult to accommodate some older individuals on the prison estate. Steps taken by some prisons to develop specific wings or units for older prisoners are welcome, though the variability of individual needs should be considered. Good …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

We praise prison staff, HMPPS and MoJ officials for their work in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. The virus has brought into sharp relief many of the issues affecting the prison system, including the particular health vulnerabilities of older cohorts. Amid the focus on protecting prisons from Coronavirus, HMPPS must continue to ensure that prisoners with existing health conditions are monitored and receive appropriate treatment and support.

We praise prison staff, HMPPS and MoJ officials for their work in responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. The virus has brought into sharp relief many of the issues affecting the prison system, including the particular health vulnerabilities of older cohorts. …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

An ageing prison population will increase pressure on prison healthcare. To ensure an equivalent standard of care as in the community, it is important that prison healthcare services are appropriately resourced, and staff have awareness of age- related health conditions. We recommend that all prison healthcare teams have a designated older prisoner lead, and that training on age-related health-issues is available to all prison staff. The Government must also ensure that prison healthcare serv...

An ageing prison population will increase pressure on prison healthcare. To ensure an equivalent standard of care as in the community, it is important that prison healthcare services are appropriately resourced, and staff have awareness of age- related health conditions. …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

Continuing to incarcerate prisoners with severe dementia, who may no longer remember or understand why they are imprisoned, raises practical and ethical 46 Ageing prison population considerations, especially as their condition is very difficult to manage on the prison estate. Equally, the Committee recognises that a significant element of this cohort are convicted for historic sexual offences. Particular attention must be given to the feelings of victims of such cases, both because of the nat...

Continuing to incarcerate prisoners with severe dementia, who may no longer remember or understand why they are imprisoned, raises practical and ethical 46 Ageing prison population considerations, especially as their condition is very difficult to manage on the prison estate. …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

Peer support or ‘buddy’ schemes can be an effective way to help meet the care needs of older prisoners. We commend the good work done by some prisons in partnership with third sector organisations to develop such initiatives. Prisons must ensure that prisoners providing care to other inmates are suitably trained and have appropriate oversight.

Peer support or ‘buddy’ schemes can be an effective way to help meet the care needs of older prisoners. We commend the good work done by some prisons in partnership with third sector organisations to develop such initiatives. Prisons must …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

Prisoners applying for early release on compassionate grounds should have their applications processed in an efficient and timely manner. This is especially important for terminally ill prisoners near the end of their lives. We recommend prisons identify a single member of staff to have overall responsibility for progressing an application for compassionate release. (Paragraph 97) Ageing prison population 47 The release and resettlement of older prisoners

Prisoners applying for early release on compassionate grounds should have their applications processed in an efficient and timely manner. This is especially important for terminally ill prisoners near the end of their lives. We recommend prisons identify a single member …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

Older prisoners can experience greater levels of institutionalisation and be less able to live independently following their release compared to younger cohorts. Many will require additional support to prepare them to re-join society. Release programmes and guidance that are age relevant, focusing on issues such as using technology, finding accommodation, and accessing pensions and benefits, should be available to all older prisoners.

Older prisoners can experience greater levels of institutionalisation and be less able to live independently following their release compared to younger cohorts. Many will require additional support to prepare them to re-join society. Release programmes and guidance that are age …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

There is a shortage of suitable accommodation for older prisoners following their release, which can undermine their rehabilitation and prevent them from successfully re-integrating into society. We are particularly concerned about reports of older individuals being released to no-fixed abode. With the older prison population likely to rise further, and the number of prison places set to increase, the Government must ensure that there is suitable provision of age-appropriate post-release acco...

There is a shortage of suitable accommodation for older prisoners following their release, which can undermine their rehabilitation and prevent them from successfully re-integrating into society. We are particularly concerned about reports of older individuals being released to no-fixed abode. …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

Prisons, local authorities, and health and care providers do not always work together effectively to ensure continuity of older prisoners’ health and social care. This can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s health and their efforts to re-integrate into society. The development of the new RECONNECT service is welcome, but we recommend that the Government implement further measures to promote integration between organisations involved in continuity of prisoners’ health and social care.

Prisons, local authorities, and health and care providers do not always work together effectively to ensure continuity of older prisoners’ health and social care. This can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s health and their efforts to re-integrate into …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

We are concerned about reports of older prisoners being released without prescription medication or without being registered with a GP. We recommend all older prisoners are supported to register with a GP prior to release; where a prisoner is unable to do so, they should be provided with guidance and formal ID so they are able to register once they are released into the community. We further recommend that HMPPS implement safeguards to ensure all prisoners are provided with any prescription m...

We are concerned about reports of older prisoners being released without prescription medication or without being registered with a GP. We recommend all older prisoners are supported to register with a GP prior to release; where a prisoner is unable …

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27 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

We disagree with the argument that older prisoners’ needs are too wide-ranging to generalise. Though it is important to treat each prisoner as an individual, there is a commonality among older prisoners which warrants a specific approach to their management. The MOD: Older Prisoners shows that the MoJ recognises this; indeed, it is inconsistent for them to have developed the MOD and yet not recognise the similarity of need among many older prisoners.

We disagree with the argument that older prisoners’ needs are too wide-ranging to generalise. Though it is important to treat each prisoner as an individual, there is a commonality among older prisoners which warrants a specific approach to their management. …

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20 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

The Committee recognise that Covid-19 has required an immediate and unprecedented response and praise the probation staff and offenders for adapting to the current situation. The Committee are aware that the NPS and CRCs may differ in their models of delivery, however we are concerned to hear reports that inconsistencies in practice may be hindering staff safety and causing concern to individuals trying to adhere to their sentence. We recommend that the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS set out w...

The Committee recognise that Covid-19 has required an immediate and unprecedented response and praise the probation staff and offenders for adapting to the current situation. The Committee are aware that the NPS and CRCs may differ in their models of …

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20 Jul 2020 | Committee report linked

At the best of times, release from prison can be a difficult time for many, however, Covid-19 has created a very different environment for those released from prison to enter. Service provision in the community has changed substantially and it is important that individuals released from prison continue to receive the support necessary to enable them to reintegrate into society and stop the cycle of offending. Whilst we welcome the Ministry’s commitment to work with the third sector, we are un...

At the best of times, release from prison can be a difficult time for many, however, Covid-19 has created a very different environment for those released from prison to enter. Service provision in the community has changed substantially and it …

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