Ministers report progress on diversion schemes for mentally ill young offenders
Neil Puffett
Monday, April 23, 2012
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.
“The sheer force of the [Women’s Institutes], together with over one million health and justice professionals in the Care not Custody Coalition, should make sure that the government keeps its important promise to establish liaison and diversion schemes in police stations and courts across England.”
The Care not Custody Coalition was founded by the NFWI and PRT to support the government in keeping its "care not custody" promise.
In March last year, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and Justice Secretary Ken Clarke announced their commitment to creating a national liaison and diversion scheme backed by Department of Health investment of £50m towards its development and evaluation.
Over the past year, a number of liaison and diversion pilots have been established with a view to create a national service by 2014. This year’s reception will be an opportunity to hear from ministers about the progress made so far and future plans.
