Source · IAPDC
Intermediate sentences for public protection (IPPs): preventing self-harm and deaths in custody
Published: 28 June 2019
Sector: Prisons & Probation
Type: Briefing Paper
Recommendations: 15
No formal response
Briefing paper for ministers on Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences and their association with self-harm and deaths in custody. Contains 15 recommendations.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The IAP remains convinced that Government should take legislative action to right the remaining injustice of the, now long-abolished, IPP sentence. There is an overarching need to review everyone still serving this sentence with a view to release and, at the least, a sensible forward plan for each individual that would allow for some hope and sentence progression. This will need to be undertaken alongside further work to safeguard such prisoners. | Government | Open |
| 2 | Pending legislative change, IPP prisoners should receive a comprehensive review of their sentence and circumstances leading to a forward plan for each individual which should be updated regularly. | HM Prison and Probation Service | Open |
| 3 | This review must go beyond a paper-based process, and cover a range of issues relevant to the wellbeing of IPP prisoners such as (but not limited to): health (physical and mental, social care needs); daily/weekly activities/hours per week; work; education; library visits; gym and exercise; contact with family/friends; skills for everyday living; sentence requirements and suitability for recategorization, release on temporary license and transfer to open conditions. | HM Prison and Probation Service | Open |
| 4 | The roll-out across England of IPP progression panels, developed and piloted by HMPPS Wales, should be monitored to determine what works and to ensure closely integrated work between probation, prison, psychology, healthcare and safeguarding teams. | HM Prison and Probation Service | Open |
| 5 | A more therapeutic approach with structured opportunities to take personal responsibility and help others could be taken, using relevant learning from places such as HMP Warren Hill. | HM Prison and Probation Service | Open |
| 6 | Awareness among prison and probation staff of the potential risk factors and vulnerability of people serving an IPP sentence in prison and on release should be increased (particularly in the women’s estate); and emphasis placed on developing trusting professional relationships. | HM Prison and Probation Service | Open |
| 7 | A clinical review of modifiable risk factors and needs primarily in the area of mental health should be undertaken. | NHS England | Open |
| 8 | This review should take into account the important social care and physical health needs that might increase risk of suicidality inside custody and on release. | NHS England | Open |
| 9 | Where recommended, transfers to psychiatric care must be effected without delay. | NHS England | Open |
| 10 | Increased support and ongoing health and social care services should be made available to people who have served an IPP sentence on release from custody. A specific stream of social prescribing could be developed for this group of people. | NHS England | Open |
| 11 | In line with Lord Farmer’s reviews, support to maintain and facilitate family links through detention close to home, family visits or videolinks should be offered. | HM Prison and Probation Service | Open |
| 12 | Compassion should be shown to prisoners who have lost loved ones and bereavement or grief counselling offered. | HM Prison and Probation Service | Open |
| 13 | Following a death in custody respectful contact must be made and maintained, if wished, with the bereaved family. This would include keeping family members informed in a timely manner. | HM Prison and Probation Service | Open |
| 14 | Further research should be conducted to examine the link between self-inflicted deaths and the IPP sentence using different research designs. | Open | |
| 15 | Recommendations from Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s investigations and Coroners’ preventing future deaths reports following the deaths (both natural and self-inflicted) of IPP prisoners should be drawn together, considered thoroughly and implemented by health and justice services. | Open |
Report details
- Published
- 28 June 2019
- Sector
- Prisons & Probation
- Type
- Briefing Paper
Status breakdown
| Open | 15 |
Addressees
| Government | 1 |
| HM Prison and Probation Service | 8 |
| NHS England | 4 |