Recommendation 10

The continuity of prison leavers’ drug treatment in the community has remained low for many years. In 2021–22, 37% of prison leavers in England with a substance misuse treatment referral were engaged in community-based treatment three weeks after release (38.1% in 2020–21).23 We questioned whether HMPPS was providing enough support to prisoners with substance misuse needs prior to their release. MoJ told us it has 50 incentivised substance-free living units established in prisons, which will increase to 100 units by March 2025. MoJ also secured £120 million over the next three years under the government’s 10-year drug plan, which it told us will be used to improve data and better co-ordinate pre- and post-release support for substance misuse.24 We asked how much of HMPPS’ work is focused on harm reductions, such as drug replacements, as opposed to recovery and abstinence. HMPPS told us that this balance is determined by clinicians from NHSE and the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC). HMPPS told us that the treatment options offered to an individual can depend on the length of their prison sentence.25