Hello,
Interesting times.
The prison population is being reduced, or at least they are attempting to reduce numbers by using an end of custody licence. This scheme was previously used in 2007 and 2010 to allow some prisoners to be released 18 days early, to help deal with prison overcrowding.
However, suddenly allowing large numbers of individuals out (back into the community) is further burdening an already struggling probation service – as noted last September by retiring Chief Inspector of Probation, Justin Russell.
Does this affect LandWorks?
The early release process has been implemented in this area (Devon) suddenly. So yes, quite simply, the added pressure placed on overworked, under-resourced probation officers does have a very direct impact… Without adequate planning time, people are released (some with only one days notice), some without accommodation, to live on the street, and mistakes will happen.
Around 70% of our referrals are prison releases.
We are very good at supporting such individuals, years of experience and project development means that we have a lot in place. We are good at reacting before an issue becomes a full-blown crisis. We can quickly direct support to the core of the problem and help avoid a recall to prison.
Over the last few years our resettlement support has steadily grown, and we find more and more time is taken up challenging those who should be providing a better service, but are themselves under resourced.
For example, local authority housing departments are often failing to prove an adequate service. We challenge and hold them to account to get a result… but this takes so much time and resource, creating a ridiculous cycle of challenge, standoff, challenge again and again, until finally an outcome.
So, I started by saying interesting times… Perhaps chaotic times would be a better description.
We really do need long-term, well thought out policies. Not knee-jerk, short termism which really does initiate a spiral of chaos.
Chris
15th February 2024