Launch of Criminal Justice Liaison Policy Implementation Guidance
28 Nov 2013 12:35 PM
A revised Criminal Justice Policy Implementation Guidance has been developed to address the need for an enhanced and improved Criminal Justice Liaison Service (CJLS).
The new policy aims to effectively identify people in the police station and court who have a mental health problem, personality disorder, learning disability or difficulty, and other complex needs.
The new Policy Implementation Guidance, which sets out the minimum levels of service required in all Local Health Board (LHB) areas, is founded upon the principles and core functions which should underpin a Criminal Justice Liaison Service.
Speaking of the policy Welsh Government Health Minister Mark Drakeford said,
“The revised Criminal Justice Liaison Service Policy Implementation Guidance will play a key role in improving and enhancing the treatment available to adult offenders experiencing mental health problems.
“This policy forms part of a range of initiatives which address health needs of offenders in Wales.
“We have recently issued guidance on the needs of prisoners who misuse substances, older prisoners health needs and that of veterans who offend.
“We have also issued guidance on the needs of offenders with a learning disability, which has a higher incidence in prison populations than the general population.
“The evidence is clear that the majority of offenders will have one or more problems with their mental health and are often from disadvantaged backgrounds
“It is essential that an offender’s mental health need is recognised at the earliest opportunity:
“The Criminal Justice Liaison Service located in police custody suites and court precincts and with extensive reach into the wider justice system, is a crucial first contact point hence the importance of the policy.
“Public protection and the safeguarding of individuals are of paramount concern, however many offenders with a mental health problem or a learning disability are vulnerable because of those conditions and by addressing their needs we help both the offender and also improve public safety."