Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted
Paragraph: 58
IPP sentences inflict psychological harm, creating barriers to prisoner progression and trust
Conclusion
The psychological harm caused by IPP sentences is a considerable barrier to progression for some IPP prisoners. The indefinite nature of the sentence has contributed to feelings of hopelessness and despair that has resulted in high levels of self-harm and some suicides within the IPP population. In addition to this, IPP prisoners distrust the people and services that are necessary to support their progression. In identifying solutions to the IPP problem, the MoJ, HMPPS and Parole Board must acknowledge the psychological harm caused by the IPP sentence, and the challenges this presents regarding progression. The MoJ and HMPPS should also set out how they intend to improve access to mental health support for IPP prisoners, including transfers to secure hospitals and therapeutic settings.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the difficulty of returning prisoners to prison from secure hospitals and states that HMPPS and MoJ are working with DHSC and NHSE to improve the operational delivery of these returns, drawing on learning from the Long-Term High Security Estate.
Paragraph Reference:
58
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Reasoning: The Government recognises that the remittance back to prison, following a period in a secure hospital, can be difficult for the prisoner, and we have processes in place to support the progression of those individuals through their sentence. HMPPS and MoJ are working with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and National Health Service England (NHSE) to consider how the operational delivery of the return (remission) of patients (back) to prison can be improved. This work will consider learning from the Long-Term High Security Estate (LTHSE), which produced a Hospital Remission Strategy in November 2021, to ensure that remittances are smooth and accompanied by a bespoke approach to ongoing sentence management. The LTHSE Strategy takes a bespoke approach for each individual which considers their health, risk management, quality of life and, importantly, sentence progression needs. As well as identifying the most appropriate location which maximises their protective factors and minimises exposure to trigger to risk and a deterioration of health, HMPPS also consider the most appropriate progression pathway for each individual and agree this with all disciplines involved. The patient is remitted direct into the prison or service which best meets their needs, rather than via a local or reception prison. For some, this might be access to a specialist treatment service, and for others it might be that they require a specialist stabilisation service. The aim for each is to get them on the pathway most appropriate for them as swiftly as possible, in an appropriate location. This process IPP sentences: Government and Parole Board Responses to the Committee’s Third Report 5 involves collaborative pathway planning between the hospital setting and the LTHSE from the earliest possible point pre-remission and involves HMPPS Forensic Psychologists as well as mental health specialists.