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Ministers report progress on diversion schemes for mentally ill young offenders

Youth justice minister Crispin Blunt and Health Secretary Andrew Lansley have outlined the progress made towards diverting the mentally ill away from the justice system into treatment and care at a Westminster reception today (23 April).

The pair detailed progress made towards the creation of a national liaison and diversion service for vulnerable offenders by 2014.

Steps taken so far include a government investment of £2m in a scheme supporting the early assessment of young people on first contact with the police, by providing suitably trained staff who are able to undertake a rapid assessment of health needs.

Speaking ahead of the Westminster reception, jointly hosted by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) and the Prison Reform Trust (PRT), PRT director Juliet Lyon said: “A bleak cell in a dark, noisy prison is the worst place for someone with mental health needs. 

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