Continuity of care between prison and the community is a huge challenge. Many prisoners do not have a GP prior to entering or on leaving prison, so work done in prisons is often undone when a prisoner is released. In addition, many released prisoners have nowhere to live.
It is vital that, upon leaving prison, people are well supported and linked in to community services and that there are services available in the community to support them.
Offenders face difficulties in accessing health care both in the criminal justice system and in the community. It is often the case that access to health care is easier in prison than it is in the community.
We are carrying out a study of access and continuity of healthcare for those in contact with the criminal justice system to inform policy on improving offenders' health and reducing reoffending.
It will look at the current status of continuity of care for offenders, its essential elements and what effective models of service delivery for offenders exist.
This study will begin in April 2008 and will publish findings throughout the 2 years' duration.
Despite recognition of the importance of continuity of care for offenders on release from prison, there is little research in this area.
The main focus of this research is to interview prisoners due for release and track them in the community. We are exploring their views about continuity of mental health care and their general resettlement needs such as accommodation, employment and contact with family.
We are also seeking the views of professionals involved in resettlement and have recently conducted a focus group with friends and family of released prisoners to explore their views of the prisoner journey.
We have completed initial interviews with 27 female prisoners and 8 follow-up interviews and are currently interviewing male prisoners in a London Category B prison.
The project will be completed this summer. For more information, contact Jo Keil or Chiara Samele.
Our two main programmes of criminal justice and employment are working together on this project to examine the application of mainstream employment and mental health models for offenders.
We will engage the stakeholders in considering evidence-based models for maximising employment opportunities and undertake a literature review on what is currently being used in offender health.
This work is continuing throughout 2008. For more information, contact Chiara Samele and Bob Grove.