What is happening?
Due to the overcrowding in Prisons, an Early Release Scheme has been set up in the UK.
The Government thought that this would help reduce the pressure on prisons and be a starting step of sorting out the Criminal Justice Systems overcrowding. The increase in sentence length is the main cause of overcrowding. The Crown Court (2023) stated the average sentence is 25% longer than in 2012.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice said the early release system would give probation staff more time to prepare for prisoner’s release and set them up with housing and help. This has not been the case, as former inmates are now seen rough sleeping, and re-offending to get back into the prison.
Within the first day of the scheme starting, over 1,700 inmates were released. This number is meant to increase to 5,500 in the next few months. According to the UK Government, inmates are only eligible for early release if they have completed over 40% of their sentence. Furthermore, sex offenders, domestic violence cases and serious violent offenders will not be eligible.
Issues with the release:
Within the first day, 37 people were wrongly released and 5 were not located. Claims say these include sexual offenders, who were not eligible for release. Other complications with the release include former inmates not being fitted with Electronic Tracking Devices before they left the prison. This was one condition of the release, that would help maintain the safety of the individual and the public. Furthermore, victims of crime are not being made aware if their perpetrators are being released. This can not only affect their safety but also their mental wellbeing if they are scared or suffer from PTSD.
What happens to the former inmates when released:
Nacro, a Social Justice Charity, states that people can be released without support and housing in place. The Government have failed to fulfill their claims of supporting people when they are released, as over 13% of offenders released in the year were homeless as soon as they got out.
Prisoners are not being given warning if they are part of the early release scheme, allowing for no time to prepare any provisions or connect with any support services.
It is vital that housing and support is provided to former inmates, as statistics show that those in stable accommodation were 50% less likely to re-offend. Re offending rates of those in the early release scheme are climbing, this is because it is easier to get a roof over your head and 3 meals a day in prison, than it is rough sleeping. A provision of helping former inmates with benefits or how to access support is not provided, and access is limited to these services as individuals often have no internet access or a fixed address for letters to come to.
What can be done to help?
In 2021 the Conservative Government said an extra 20,000 prisons would be built by the mid-2020s, currently over 6,000 have been. Therefore, creating extra prison space is not the solution at this time. The shortening of prison sentences is another option to help reduce overcrowding. However, it does not assist the current inmates on the Early Release Scheme.
Former inmates will undoubtedly need housing, tents, sleeping bags and food provisions. This can keep them warm and start to adapt to the world outside of prison. Furthermore, they require access to services, such as GPs, local authorities and jobseekers.
At Newbury Soup Kitchen, we provide freshly cooked and prepared hot three-course meals every Thursday, Wednesday and Saturday evening for the homeless, vulnerably housed, less fortunate. Additionally, we engage with local authorities and associated services to assist service users where appropriate. This also includes an Outreach session with Health Outreach Team Community Nurses who can help with medical services. With your support and donations, we can continue providing these services and help the community.
https://newburysoupkitchen.org.uk/
Written by Elise Garland, a Student Social Worker on placement at Newbury Soup Kitchen.
