The Prison Discharge Network Group

Author: Richard Walley, Service Coordinator, Changing Futures   In my current role as a service coordinator for the Changing Futures programme in Stoke-on-Trent I specialise in supporting customers that are currently involved in the criminal justice system, this could be where customers are stuck in a cycle of short sentences and releases or supporting someone who has served a longer sentence to reconnect with their community. There are many known issues around the prison discharge process such as being released on a Friday (when most of the services a person would be required to attend appointments with are closed at the weekend), difficulties organising ‘in reach’ pre release support, short recalls for 2-4 weeks leading to existing bed spaces being closed and connections with support services being severed and a lack of timely referrals being made for necessary services in the community. The Prison discharge network group is a forum held online every quarter with representation from HMP Dovegate, HMP Stoke Heath, HMP Oakwood, HMP Featherstone, HMP Hewel, HMP Brinsford, HMP Birmingham, HMP Sudbury, HMP Styal, HMP Foston Hall, Reconnect, NACRO UK, Offender Management, Restart, Changing Futures, Probation, Citizens Advice Bureau, Staffordshire Police, Brighter Futures, Expert Citizens, CCH Housing, Concrete and Northern IOM. As well as providing a go-to resource for professionals and organisations that interact with the criminal justice system the prison discharge network group acts as an up to date contact list, keeps everybody involved informed of the latest changes to policy and process and acts as a forum for sharing best practice to create lasting systems change. Communication between all parties involved in a case has always been the main objective, to ensure that the person being discharged has the best possible start. Having access to the necessary contacts enables me to much more easily provide in reach support prior to a person’s release. This makes a massive difference as referrals for things such as housing, mental health support and drug and alcohol services can be put in place ready for release day, as well as the necessary paperwork to ensure peoples welfare benefits are in place. Through the network I’ve been made aware of useful things such as the ability to arrange video calls when a face to face meeting is not possible and alternative arrangements that can be made to ensure people have access to necessary medication.

If a prisoner is likely to access the same pharmacy for at least 7 days, a FP10MDA prescription should be provided for the required time (up to 14 days) If the prisoner is more likely to move around for the first 7 days after release, then several single FP10 prescriptions may be issued, allowing for up to 7 individual supplies. (From NHS prescription services – prescribing for ex-offenders)

In addition to this the group is currently supporting and updating on work instigated by NACRO who are making a case to end releases on a Friday, which is currently at Westminster for review. In future meetings we plan to feature guest speakers from relevant organisations as well as giving ex offenders the opportunity to share their own experiences of the discharge process to provide that invaluable lived experience perspective on what works, and what can be improved.     If you would like to find out more about the prison discharge network group or you think getting involved would be useful to you or your organisation please get in touch with me via email: richard.walley@stoke.gov.uk (The next meet is due to be held on 22nd June 2023) [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]