Mark Whitehead 10 August 2018

Vulnerable offenders increasingly referred to health services rather than prison

Offenders with mental health, alcohol and drug abuse problems are increasingly being referred to health services as part of community sentences instead of being sent to jail.

Justice secretary David Gauke said the move was aimed at helping vulnerable offenders deal with the underlying causes of their behaviour.

In five pilot schemes in England psychologists and panels of justice and health professionals have been providing information to judges or magistrates to decide whether offenders should be given treatment rather then sent to prison.

The pilot has been running in Birmingham, Plymouth, Sefton, Milton Keynes and Northampton since the end of last year and around 400 people have benefitted so far.

It appears likely the scheme will be extended throughout England when the results of the trial have been assessed.

Mr Gauke said: 'We are all clear that we need to do more to support vulnerable offenders in the community.

'I want to improve confidence in community sentences, and early evidence from these pilot sites has shown that treatment requirements can have a significant impact in improving rehabilitation and addressing the underlying causes of offending.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner