Bronzefield

Response
In the period following probation reunification it was recognised the in-prison housing support was insufficient, so in collaboration with the London Probation Service extra resources were added to this service to provide a dedicated housing support worker at HMP/YOI Bronzefield from January 2022. Unfortunately, long term staff sickness, recruitment and vetting issues led to periods when this support was not consistently available. MOPAC has contributed to the Safe Homes for Women Leaving Prison Initiative and have worked with London’s partner agencies to produce the recently launched Women’s Prison Release Practice Briefing. This is a unique resource for agencies not only in London, but across England and Wales, that seek to improve accommodation outcomes for women leaving prison. It gives an overview of factors to be aware when commissioning or delivering services to women in the CJS, it explains why a distinct gender-specific, trauma-informed approach is needed; sets out agency roles and responsibilities; and provides examples of good practice and governance. It is primarily aimed at commissioners, Governors/Directors of prisons, prison resettlement leads, local authority housing teams, housing providers, police, probation practitioners including third sector Women’s Specialist service providers and government departments. MOPAC is working with a local authority in London to explore options for additional dedicated accommodation that can be specifically ringfenced for women who have been affected by the CJS.

Response
MOPAC is aware of the delays and issues concerning the Metropolitan Police not risk assessing accommodation in the London area for early HDC releases (in other contexts to support the imposition of electronic monitoring). These issues were highlighted and underlined in the recent HMI Probation thematic inspection report on Electronic Monitoring published on 18 January 2022. MOPAC has worked in consultation with London Probation and the Metropolitan Police Service to ensure that a solution is found. A process is in place for checks to be undertaken more reliably, especially for cases with known risk of serious harm. A new unit is now being created in partnership between London Probation and the Metropolitan Police Service to provide additional resources for these checks to be conducted in a streamlined process and for relevant information to be passed back to probation and prison authorities for HDC decisions to be made. MOPAC will continue to monitor and advocate for improved performance in this area, which remains a keystone of effective risk management and reducing risk of violence against women and girls.