Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Paragraph: 102
Older prisoners can experience greater levels of institutionalisation and be less able to live independently...
Conclusion
Older prisoners can experience greater levels of institutionalisation and be less able to live independently following their release compared to younger cohorts. Many will require additional support to prepare them to re-join society. Release programmes and guidance that are age relevant, focusing on issues such as using technology, finding accommodation, and accessing pensions and benefits, should be available to all older prisoners.
Paragraph Reference:
102
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
• We welcome NHS England’s commitment to develop their care after custody service, RECONNECT, to engage and support more people after custody. The NHS Long Term Plan, published in 2019, made a commitment to fund the RECONNECT service, which has been agreed at £20 million in year 5 (2023/24) of the roll out of the service delivery. • RECONNECT is a care after custody service for prison leavers with vulnerabilities, who would otherwise struggle to engage with community health services. The RECONNECT service will engage with individuals prior to them leaving the prison in order to establish need, and then support them upon release to engage with community-based health services. • Whilst the relationship between health difficulties and offending behavior is complex, in some areas health related interventions clearly offer the potential to reduce offending and re- offending rates. The RECONNECT service will help to safeguard the health of those leaving secure settings into the community, which will also contribute to a reduction in the health- related drivers of offending.