Briefing on what criminal justice system learnt from COVID-19

A JUSTICE SYSTEM FIT FOR THE FUTURE: LESSONS FROM THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC TO BUILD A FAIRER AND EFFECTIVE PATH TO RESETTLEMENT
COVID-19 continues to significantly impact the most vulnerable in our society, including those in custody and those being released from prison. With prisons only delivering a limited regime; the Early Release Scheme being suspended at the end of August, having only released an additional 275 people by the 7th August; and probation and resettlement support being delivered in completely new ways, it is crucial we understand the impact and what lessons we should be learning now, so we can improve our justice system for the future and give people the best chance at a second chance.

As a charity delivering support in prison and in the community we have seen and heard first hand the very real impact of the lockdown and the critical need for support for people leaving prison, including having somewhere safe to stay and access to financial and health support. The Ministry of Justice plays a critical role in this but with responsibility for vital support also being held by other Government departments, a truly cross-governmental approach is needed.

This briefing was driven by the experiences and voices of the people that we support through our resettlement services and the staff that support them. It is built from their knowledge and experience, and draws together the lessons we have learnt to make recommendations for the future to better support people on release from prison.

Read the briefing here.

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