Short-term prisoner release point: responses to targeted consultation
The Scottish Government ran a targeted consultation seeking views on changing the automatic early release point for certain short-term prisoners. The responses to the targeted consultation have been published where permission has been given to publish the response.
Response from NHS Lanarkshire
Claire Rae, Chief Officer North Lanarkshire HSCP
Question 1: What are your views on changing the release point for certain short-term prisoners to 30%?
It would potentially have an impact for the delivery of Locality Addiction service resources depending on volume and location. This would need to be monitored over a period of time to measure the true impact.
Question 2: What are your views on excluding those serving sentences for domestic abuse and sexual offences?
The service position is that we would agree with the proposal that this cohort complete the recommendation of 50%.
Question 3: What are your views on making equivalent changes for children detained in secure accommodation?
Question 3 is not applicable as we are an adult service.
Question 4: What are your views on the changes applying to short-term prisoners serving sentence for fine defaults and contempt of court?
This would possibly need some mapping as it would depend on the offence and impact of that offence.
Question 5: What are your views on the proposed transitional approach to initial releases?
There are varied views on this due to the impact on resources available to monitor and support this effectively within a community setting.
Question 6: Do you have any other comments
There is currently a steering group chaired by Justice in Lanarkshire which reviews the early release of prisoners following notification of prisoner early release as Tranche’s become known. As the proposal is to release more prisoners early, I would suggest that the group be established on a more permanent basis. This would allow those involved to consider particular service users/patients being discharged earlier and allow more time for networking and support. The detail of when and who is discussed would have to be considered but it would give some reassurance to particular prisoners with greater needs/risks. This approach seems to be working for the current early release prisoners, but no review has taken place in regard to the strengths of this approach.