A cross-government
action plan to improve the health of offenders in prison and in
the community, was launched today by Care Services Minister Phil Hope.
Speaking at the 2009 Health and Criminal Justice conference in
York, he announced the first comprehensive approach across
government to address health inequalities in this vulnerable population.
Individuals from socially excluded sections of the community are
over-represented in the offender population. The plan draws
together recommendations by Lord Bradley’s review of people with
mental health and learning disabilities in the criminal justice
system and the views of stakeholders. It will help to protect the
public, reduce health inequalities and cut levels of reoffending.
The plan will:
ensure there are liaison and diversion services which assess
individuals’ health needs in all courts over the next five years;
train staff across the criminal justice system to identify where
health issues may need to be addressed and share information
across the different elements of the system that come into contact
with that individual;
ensure that offenders have access to the same levels of
healthcare as everyone else; and
improve continuity of care by developing care pathways that
enhance health and social care provision and contribute to the
delivery of justice.
Phil Hope said
“We all know what’s at stake. Mental health problems – whether
drug misuse, learning disabilities or a personality disorder – can
lock people into a cycle of disadvantage and criminality.
Improving health and support is a way of tackling this negative cycle.
“By launching this plan in response to Lord Bradley’s report, we
are bringing key players together for the first time in a more
consistent and connected vision for improving health in the
criminal justice system.
“In many cases, the criminal justice system is our best chance of
providing help for those who may otherwise drift off the radar.”
Justice Minister Claire Ward said:
“This delivery plan will ensure the criminal justice system deals
appropriately with some of the most vulnerable people in the
community. It strengthens co-ordination between health services,
police and the courts, to ensure the right balance is struck
between treatment and punishment. Early intervention to identify
and treat mental health issues is vital for the individuals
concerned as well as for the benefit of wider society.”
David Behan, Chair of the Health and Criminal
Justice Programme Board said:
“The Health and Criminal Justice Programme Board provides a great
opportunity to bring the relevant government departments and
agencies together to make some positive changes to the lives of
offenders.”
Keith Pearson, recently appointed chair of the
National Advisory Group said:
“As Chair of the newly established National Advisory Group, I am
committed to moving this agenda forward and ensuring
implementation of the Health and Criminal Justice Programme.
“The need for stronger leadership and more effective partnerships
to improve the health of offenders, wherever they may be in the
criminal justice system, is evident. Engagement of the NHS and
wider organisations at regional and local level, will be vital to
the successful implementation of this work programme.”
Notes to Editors
1. For further information please contact the DH press office on
020 7210 5221.
2. Improving Health, Supporting Justice can be
downloaded from the DH website at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Offenderhealth/index.htm.
3. Lord Bradley’s review of people with mental health problems or
learning disabilities in the criminal justice system was published
on 30 April. The Government accepted the direction of travel set
out by Lord Bradley, and committed to developing a national
delivery plan incorporating a full response to the report’s
recommendations.
4. The cross-departmental Health and Criminal Justice Programme
Board was established in response to the Bradley Review and is
chaired by David Behan – Director General for Social Care, Local
Government and Care Partnerships Directorate, Department of
Health.
5. A National Advisory Group has also been established to
help ensure wider involvement from interested organisations. Keith
Pearson was recently appointed as chair.
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk