Inspecting and Monitoring: Standard 7: Transitions from Custody to Life in the Community

Inspecting and Monitoring: Standard 7: Transitions from Custody to Life in the Community

ISBN 978 1 78851 721 8 (web only publication)
PPDAS 344126

This document is also available in pdf format (192K)

Contents

Introduction Standard 7: Transitions from Custody to Life in the Community

Protected characteristics must be considered and referenced throughout

Quality Indicators (Qi)

Introduction Standard 7: Transitions from Custody to Life in the Community

Questions which may be helpful in monitoring and inspecting the PANEL principles:

Protected characteristics must be considered and referenced throughout

Prisoners are prepared for their successful return to the community.

The prison is active in supporting prisoners for returning successfully to their community at the conclusion of their sentence. The prison works with agencies in the community to ensure that resettlement plans are prepared, including specific plans for employment, training, education, healthcare, housing and financial management.

Quality Indicators (Qi)

7.1 Government agencies, private and third sector services are facilitated to work together to prepare a jointly agreed release plan, and ensure continuity of support to meet the community integration needs of each prisoner.

7.2 Where there is a statutory duty on any agency to supervise a prisoner after release, all reasonable steps are taken to ensure this happens in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance.

7.3 Where prisoners have been engaged in development or treatment programmes during their sentence, the prison takes appropriate action to enable them to continue or reinforce the programme on their return to the community.

7.4 All prisoners have the opportunity to contribute to a co-ordinated plan which prepares them
for release and addresses their specific community integration needs and requirements.

7.5 Where the prison offers any services to prisoners after their release, those services are well planned and effectively supervised.

7.1 Government agencies, private and third sector services are facilitated to work together to prepare a jointly agreed release plan, and ensure continuity of support to meet the community integration needs of each prisoner.

Features

• Strategic leadership and oversight
• Clarity of role and responsibilities
• Effective partnership working
• Access to a range of support services
• Jointly agreed Community Integration Plans to support transition

Specification

There is clear strategic governance and senior management oversight of the range of partner agencies providing services within the prison, with effective communication occurring between prison managers and stakeholders.

Structures are in place to encourage and facilitate efficient partnership working and delivery
of services during, and after, custody. Agencies working in the Links Centre are clear about
their role and contribution to the development and delivery of mutually agreed release plans.

Prison processes are transparent and support the participation of the prisoner in sentence and
pre-release planning, particularly multi-agency processes. Individual prisoners meaningfully
participate in formulating their pre-release plans and are able to engage with services throughout
their sentence. All categories of prisoners are able to access advice and support without undue delay.

Wherever prisoners face barriers to engaging with services to aid their release, the prison is proactive in identifying and removing them by providing support. This support could be foreign language translation, advocacy or other speech and language communication assistance.

Personal Officers demonstrate a good awareness of the range of supports available and utilise this knowledge in their interactions with prisoners to support pre-release planning.

7.2 Where there is a statutory duty on any agency to supervise a prisoner after release, all reasonable steps are taken to ensure this happens in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance.

Features

• Clarity of statutory roles and responsibilities
• Effective communication between PBSW and CBSW
• Involvement of families
• Compliance with legislation and guidance

Specification

The Integrated Case Management (ICM) process is well embedded in practice and is delivered in accordance with standards. Community Based Social Workers (CBSW) regularly attend and Prison Based Social Workers (PBSW) make an effective contribution to ICM processes via preparation of assessments, reports and formulation of pre-release plans. Where relevant, psychology services contribute to ICM processes.

The ICM process is well understood by staff and prisoners throughout the prison. ICM documentation is completed on time, is of an acceptable standard and clearly addresses prisoner individual needs and risks. Pre-release planning and plans make a contribution to protecting individuals and communities from potential harm.

All prisoners are encouraged, supported and enabled to participate meaningfully in case discussions and family members are able to participate when appropriate and with the prisoners' consent. Where prisoners require extra support to participate, the prison is proactive in providing it. This may include foreign language translation, advocacy or other speech and language communication assistance.

Personal Officers know individual prisoners well and contribute meaningfully to pre-release reports
and planning meetings.

Effective communication and partnership working occurs between prison and the community including the timely transfer of assessments and reports.

7.3 Where prisoners have been engaged in development or treatment programmes during their sentence, the prison takes appropriate action to enable them to continue or reinforce the programme on their return to the community.

Features

• Effectiveness of Case Management Board
• Timely assessment of need
• Range of programmes to meet identified needs
• Efficient co-ordination of programme and sentence planning

Specification

Timely access to assessment for programmes using the Generic Programme Assessment (GPA).
A range of programmes are available to meet the needs of prisoners living with substance misuse, addiction or trauma related issues. All prisoners are able to access the programmes they require,
and any barriers which impede access are identified and progressively removed by the SPS.

Efficient operation and management oversight of the Programmes Case Management Board (PCMB).

Community Integration Plans recognise the work undertaken whilst in prison and build upon progress made by establishing links to appropriate sources of post-release support where applicable. A process
is in place to ratify release plans for both statutory and non-statutory prisoners.

When preparing for release, a Naloxone protocol is in place to ensure prisoners returning to the community understand the risks associated with accidental overdose.

Effective processes are in place to facilitate the exchange of information between the prison and community in relation to programmes that are run in the establishment, and available in the community after release.

7.4 All prisoners have the opportunity to contribute to a co-ordinated plan which prepares them for release and addresses their specific community integration
needs and requirements.

Features

• Early assessment identifies needs and directs interventions
• Access to a range of support services
• Prisoner involvement in release plans
• Maintaining supportive relationships upon release
• Practical support on release

Specification

There is evidence of early and continuing contact with prisoners to support sentence and release planning. Assessments identify prisoners' individual support needs, direct resources accordingly
and usefully contribute to Community Integration Plans. Obstacles to reintegration are identified
and removed.

Prisoners participate meaningfully in the development of mutually agreed Community Integration Plans and there is a consistency of contact with prison staff and/or support agencies to enable development of supportive relationships. Where there are barriers to prisoner participation or access to services, the prison is proactive in identifying and progressively removing them. Where prisoners require extra support, the prison provides this.

Appropriate action is taken to maintain or secure suitable post-release accommodation,
as well as ensuring effective health and/or social care supports during sentence and on release.

There is timely access to drug and alcohol interventions during sentence and upon release, including prescribing services as required. Prisoners also have access to opportunities to enrol in training
or education in the community prior to release.

Prisoners are encouraged and enabled to manage their financial affairs and live independently upon release, through access to information, sources of identification and the development of important
life skills.

Prisoners are adequately prepared for release and where reasonable are assisted to access food
and finances, and to attend appointments with support agencies upon release.

7.5 Where the prison offers any services to prisoners after their release, those services are well planned and effectively supervised.

Features

• Access to effective Throughcare Support Officer (TSO) support
• Quality of relationships between TSOs and internal/external partners
• Senior Management oversight and governance
• Support, training and review

Specification

TSOs form and sustain effective relationships with prisoners and partner agencies, making effective arrangements in order to support successful transition from custody to the community. This includes signposting towards relevant services where appropriate.

Individuals with complex needs are helped to engage with community supports prior to withdrawal
of TSO support, and all prisoners receive assistance in terms of immediate needs e.g. accessing food, clothing and shelter upon release.

Progress and outcomes are monitored and regularly reviewed to evaluate the effectiveness of the service and inform future developments.

Appropriate language is used and there is a commitment to reducing stigma and obstacles for those transitioning from prison to the community.

Individuals leaving custody have equitable access to services such as housing, healthcare, welfare advice and opportunities to utilise their time constructively.

QI Additional Legal Standards Section